TYPE: Tandem-seat biplane/kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Designed by Curtis Pitts and originally named Macho Stinker and, later, Pitts Monster. Design started in 1994; construction of prototype began 1996; first flight March 1996; first delivery April 1997. A 'high-performance' version has been added to the range.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Model 12: Baseline version, as described.
High Performance: Strengthened version with shorter fuselage and wing spans. As standard Model 12, except where noted.

CUSTOMERS: Total of 75 under construction in nine countries: Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Lithuania, South Africa, Sweden and the USA; plus 220 sets of plans sold in a further six countries. Total of 16 flying by October 2003, including one each in Canada and South Africa.

COSTS: Kit US$47,995; complete aircraft US$185,000 (2003).

DESIGN FEATURES: Traditional Pitts design, optimised for aerobatics; contours dictated by M-14P radial engine. Wire- and strut-braced wings of unequal span; upper wing mounted on cabine; single interplane strut each side; wire-braced tailplane and fin. Quoted build time 2,500 hours.

FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Rod-connected ailerons on upper and lower wings. Flight-adjustable trim tab in each elevator.

STRUCTURE: 4130 steel tube fuselage; wooden spars and ribs; fabric covering.

LANDING GEAR: Tailwheel type; non-retractable. Optional mainwheel fairings. Aluminium sprung main legs; mainwheels 6.00-6 in; Cleveland disc brakes.

POWER PLANT: One 265 kW (355 hp) VOKBM M-14P or 294 kW (394 hp) P.14PF nine-cylinder radial engine driving an MT three-blade constant-speed propeller. In 2003, the option of fitting a 224 kW (300 hp) Textron Lycoming AEIO-540 or 246 kW (330 hp) Textron Lycoming AEIO-580 flat-six was added. Fuel capacity 204 litres (54.0 US gallons; 45.0 Imp gallons) in 68 litre (18.0 US gallon; 15.0 Imp gallon) winng tank and 136 litre (36.0 US gallon; 30.0 Imp gallon) fuselage tank. Oil capacity 15 litres (4.0 US gallons; 3.3 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and passenger in enclosed cockpit under one-piece Perspex canopy hinged on right side. Fixed windscreen.

SYSTEMS: 14 V or 28 V battery.