A prototype F.600 Canguro (I-CANG), built by General Avia and powered by 261 kW (350 hp) Avco Lycoming TIO-540-J flat-six engines, made its first flight on 30 December 1978. This aircraft was described under the General Avia heading in the 1979-80 Jane's.
SIAI-Marchetti began flight testing the Canguro in 1979, and in March 1980 was preparing to place the aircraft in production as the SF.600. The basic aircraft is offered with non-retractable landing gear and either Avco Lycoming piston engines or Allison turboprops. Retractable-gear, swing-tail, maritime surveillance and other versions are under development.

TYPE: Twin-engined freight, ambulance and general utility transport.

WINGS: Cantilever high-wing monoplane. Wing section NASA GAW-1, with 17% thickness/chord ratio. Dihedral 2°. Incidence (constant) 1° 30'. All-metal riveted structure in light alloy, with stressed skin. Centre-section has main spar and two auxiliary spars; outboard of engines, wings have two spars. All-metal ailerons and electrically-operated double-slotted flaps.

FUSELAGE: All-metal semi-monocoque structure, with stressed skin.

TAIL UNIT: Cantilever all-metal stressed-skin structure. Trim tabs in rudder and each elevator. Small dorsal and ventral fins.

LANDING GEAR: Non-retractable tricycle type, with oleo-pneumatic shock-absorption. Twin-wheel main units; single steerable nose unit. All five wheels and tyres same size, 7-00-6, tyre pressure 2.48 bars (36 lb/sq in). Retractable-gear version also available.

POWER PLANT: Two 261 kW (350 hp) Avco Lycoming TIO-540-J flat-six engines, each driving a Hartzell three-blade fully-feathering constant-speed propeller. Alternatively, may be powered by two 313 kW (420 shp) Allison 250-B17G turboprop engines. Fuel in four wing tanks, total capacity 1,100 litres (242 Imp gallons). External tanks, total capacity 600 litres (132 Imp gallons), on turboprop version. Oil capacity 11.4 litres (2.5 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and co-pilot or passenger on flight deck. Cabin accommodates up to nine passengers or 12 paratroops, or four stretcher patients and two medical attendants, or 907 kg (2,000 lb) of freight. Forward door on port side for crew; wider, sliding door at rear on port side for freight loading. Swing-tail rear-loading version also available.