title: Pitts Model 12
text: # Pitts Model 12
  
  The Pitts Model 12 (also known by its nicknames "Bolshoi", "Macho Stinker", "Pitts Monster") is a high performance aerobatic biplane designed around the Vedeneyev M14P/PF engine. The aircraft can be built from plans or as a kitplane, or can be bought ready-to-fly from the factory.
  
  ## 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.
  
  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
  
  As of December 2011, 59 examples had been completed and flown.
  
  ## Variants
  
  There are several model variants:
  
  * Plans built
  * HP model - kit
  * Model 12S - factory built
  * A single place variant has been constructed by Jim Kimball Enterprises called "The Beast".
  
  ## Specifications (Pitts Model 12)
  
  Data from Pitts model 12.com
  
  General characteristics
  
  * Capacity: 2
  * Length: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
  * Wingspan: 23 ft (7.0 m)
  * Empty weight: 1,550 lb (703 kg)
  * Gross weight: 2,250 lb (1,021 kg)
  * Fuel capacity: 54 gal
  * Powerplant: 1 × Vedeneyev M14P/PF , 360 hp (270 kW)
  * Propellers: 3-bladed MT Propeller
  
  Performance
  
  * Cruise speed: 150 kn (170 mph, 270 km/h)
  * Stall speed: 56 kn (64 mph, 103 km/h)
  * Range: 430 nmi (500 mi, 800 km)
  * Rate of climb: 2,900 ft/min (15 m/s)
  