Pitts Model 12 Explained

The Pitts Model 12 (also known by its nicknames "Bolshoi," "Macho Stinker," and "Pitts Monster"[1]) is a high-performance^[1]) aerobatic biplane designed around the Vedeneyev M14P/PF Russian engine. The aircraft can be built from plans or as a kit plane, or bought ready-to-fly from the factory.^[2]

Design and development

The Pitts Model 12 was designed by Curtis Pitts starting in 1993. Pitts presented his completed design on his 80th birthday in December 1995.^[3]

The Pitts Model 12 is a biplane built using fabric covered welded steel tubing for the fuselage, and fabric covered wings with wood spars. The leading edge is made of formed plywood. The landing gear is solid aluminum.

Operational history

, 59 examples had been completed and flown.^[4]

Variants

There are several model variants:

• Plans built
• HP model - kit
• Model 12S - factory built
• A single-place variant called "The Beast" constructed by Jim Kimball^[5]

Notes and References

1. Book: 1998. Purdy. Don. AeroCrafter: Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook. 5th. BAI Communications. 207. 0963640941.
2. June 2004. Kitplanes. Belvoir Publications. 0891-1851.
3. Web site: History. Pitts Model 12. Jim Kimball Enterprises. 23 August 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110810135210/http://www.pittsmodel12.com/history.php. 10 August 2011.
4. Vandermeullen. Richard. December 2011. 2012 Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide. Kitplanes. Belvoir Publications. 28. 12. 58. 0891-1851.
5. Web site: The Biplane. The Beast. 23 August 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110826035124/http://www.beastairshows.com/web/aircraft.php. 26 August 2011.