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Pitts S-1  Pitts S-1-11B Super Stinker
Curtis Pitts began designing the single-seat S‑1 in 1942. The 55‑hp prototype flew in September 1944, but was repowered with 90hp Franklin and sold to a cropduster, who reportedly was so hard of hearing that one time he didn't hear the motor quit and crashed—no injury, but the plane was written-off.
A second Special, with 85hp Continental C-85, went to aerobat Betty Skelton in 1947 as Li'l Stinker (NX86401/N22E) (still active in 1975, displayed at NASM 2001).
Black Beauty (built by Pitts for Caro Bailey) started the trend toward more power by packing a 125‑hp Lycoming O‑290.
The 1960 S1-C or Flatwing incorporated a semi-symmetrical airfoil and lower-wing ailerons with a Continental O-200 engine. The first S1-C was Pat Ledford's (N8L) and the plans were drawn up as it was constructed. They were redrawn in the '90s by Steen Aero Lab, incorporating many minor changes, one of which was the inclusion of the slightly-longer S1-S fuselage.
 Christen-Pitts S1-C N3507
The S-1D is a four aileron version with a modified M-6 airfoil, completely certified. Kits and plans were marketed to home-builders.
The S1-E is an experimental, home-built version of the S1-S, with some crossover in names and parts provided by the factory between the -S and –E. An unknown number of S1-E became certified S1-S.
The S-1S model was first year built in 1974. The price in 1982 was $41,690 as a complete kit, or certified under FAA A8SO.
 Christen-Pitts S1-S N55BT
S1-S / Roundwing of 1973 was an S1-D with two different symmetrical airfoils on the upper and lower wings with four ailerons.
S1-S production continued until 1981, when its plans were released for home-builders. Any home-built S1-S predating 1981 was not a true S1-Ss.
S1-SS or Super Stinker Pitts Special used an airfoil and aileron setup derived from the S-1-11/-11B "Super Stinker" aircraft, which was not a Pitts Special nor was it an S1, but a new design meant for world championship aerobatic competition. S1-SS was offered by Steen Aero Lab since the '90s as supplemental wing plans to fit onto any S1 fuselage.
 Christen-Pitts S1-SS N519DC
The 1981 S-1T is a single-seater model which claims roll rates of up to 240 degrees/second. A certified version that superseded the S1-S, with a 200hp engine, constant-speed prop, and new aileron design. Pitts has sold more than 2500 sets of plans for the popular S-1T.
 Christen-Pitts S1-T
By 1998 the Pitts S-1 was marketed by Aviat Aircraft.
S1 Special
1945
Engine: 55hp Lycoming
Wingspan: 20'0"
Length: 18'3"
Seats: 1
S-1C
S-1C
Engine: 1 × Textron Lycoming AEIO-540-D4A5, 260 hp (194 kW)
Wingspan: 17 ft 4 in (5.28 m) Length: 18 ft 9 in (5.71 m) Maximum speed: 210 mph (338 kph) Maximum range: 319 miles (513 km) Service Ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m)
S1-D
Enine: 180hp Lycoming IO-360B
Wingspan: 17'5"
Length: 15'6"
Useful load: 425 lb
Max speed: 145 mph
Cruise speed: 135 mph
Stall: 64 mph
Range: 230 mi
Ceiling: 22,000'
S-1S
Engine: Lycoming
Wing span: 5.27 m
Wing area: 9.06 sq.m
MAUW: 522 kg
Empty weight: 345 kg
Fuel capacity: 72 lt
Max speed: 222 kph
Cruise speed: 195 kph
Minimum speed: 100 kph
Climb rate: 12.5 m/s
Seats: 1
Fuel consumption: 35 lt/hr
Plan price (1998): US$250
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