Country of origin:

United States of America

Description:

(Metro): commuter airliner and business and executive aircraft
(Merlin IV): business and executive aircraft

Power Plant:

(Metro)

Two 701 kw (940 shp) Garrett AiResearch TPE-331-3UW-303G turboprops

Specifications:

History:

The Swearingen series of aircraft achieved prominence when a Merlin III won the 9,414 km (5,851 miles) trans-Atlantic London – Victoria (British Colombia) Air Race in 1971.  Intended to meet the needs of third-level airlines, the Metro, designed by Ed Swearingen, proved to be very successful in that role throughout the world.  Seating 19 or 20 two-abreast, with a centre aisle, and with a gross weight of 5,675 kg (12,500 lb) – the maximum then permitted for aircraft operated by American commuter airlines – the prototype Metro, the Model SA226-TC, was flown at San Antonio, Texas, on 26 August 1969.  At that time Swearingen announced that it would market a non-airline variant as the Merlin IV.

The Metro was certificated on 11 June 1970, with the Merlin IV receiving approval on 22 September of that same year.  The latter was for executive use, usually seating eleven persons.  Shortly before this, Swearingen had contracted with the Fairchild Hiller Corporation, as it was then known, to produce a new wing for the Metro and Merlin series, but before production was established, the Swearingen company ceased operations.  Fairchild Industries (the new name) then announced that it had formed a subsidiary, Swearingen Aircraft Corporation, to acquire the assets of the Swearingen Aircraft Company.  Production of the Merlin III, Merlin IV and Metro commenced in 1972.

In 1975 a series of product improvements was announced.  The new models became the Metro II, and the Merlin IVA, and these were the basic production aircraft.  Improvements were made to the cabin furnishings to reduce noise levels, and the cockpit layout and crew seats were revised.  System changes included use of dual-range, variable-authority power-steering for the nosewheel via the rudder pedals, single-point rapid re-fuelling provision, etc.

The type was also certificated in the USA for a stand-by rocket engine to allow full-weight take-offs at airfields up to 2,134 m (7,000 ft).  In 1990 the Metro 23 was introduced, being developed from the Metro III.  The Metro IV was certificated in September 1970 and used the same airframe as the Metro regional airliner, and the IVC was for corporate use, a number of interior options being available, including a refreshment and entertainment centre, reclining passenger seats, couches, revised lighting and seating eight, with a range of 2,824 km (1,755 miles).

In standard configuration the Metro II could seat 19 persons with an optional 20th seat.  The interior could be easily converted for cargo operations, or combined passenger/cargo.  A cargo variant known as the Metro IIC was also marketed.  In 1976 the Metro IIE Expediter, basically a 14-passenger, high-density executive model, was released.  In later years the type was marketed under the Fairchild name.

The type has been used for a variety of roles, a number with the USAF being fitted with removable reconnaissance pods for support of the US Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Agency.  Others have been used by Air National Guard units. The Multi-Mission Surveillance Aircraft (MSSA) was a variant designed to utilise off-the-shelf systems including command, control and communications information systems, with surveillance sensors and a large ventral centreline equipment pod to house high-resolution forward-looking infra-red and/or air-to-air/air-to-ground cameras and other equipment.

A number of air forces around the world used the Metro series for light transport duties.  A Merlin IV was used by France’s Direction de la Meteorologie Nationale for atmospheric research, being fitted with nose and wingtip sensors.

In 1981 the Australian distributor demonstrated the Metro III to potential customers.  This new model had the wingspan increased by 3.04 m (10 ft) and had conical cambered wingtips.  The maximum take-off weight was increased to 6,350 kg (14,000 lb).  Engines installed were 746 kw (1,000 shp) Garrett AiResearch TPE-331-11U-601G turboprops driving Dowty Rotol propellers.  After its tour this aircraft commenced services in New Zealand with United Commuters.

In 1981 the Metro IIIA appeared.  This new model differed from the Metro III primarily in having Pratt & Whitney PT6A-45R engines driving four-blade McCauley 3.69 m (8 ft 10 in) diameter propellers. With a gross weight of 6,577 kg (14,500 lb, this model cruised at 496 km/h (308 mph) at 3,050 m (10,000) with 19 passengers and baggage for a range of 740 km (460 miles).

The type has been very popular in this region in the third-level airliner markets with more than 100 examples registered over the years in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.  Operators in New Zealand have included Eagle Airways, Air Albatross, Origin Pacific, Air Chathams, Air Post etc.  Operators in Australia have included Bush Pilots Airways in northern Queensland, Kendell Airlines, Skywest Airlines, Northern Airlines, Intercity Airlines, Horizon Airlines, Jetcraft, Fitzroy Aviation, TNT, Tamair, Newcastle Aviation, Security Express, Skywest, etc. It has been used in both the passenger and freight role.

Pel Air Aviation at Mascot, NSW has operated a fleet of SA-227-AT Merlin IVC Expediter and SA227-AC Metro III registered VH-EEN (c/n AT-563), VH-EEO (c/n AT-564), VH-EEP (c/n AT-567), VH-EEQ (c/n AT-612), VH-EER (c/n AT-632), VH-EES (c/n AC-614), VH-EET (c/n AC-494), and VH-EEU (c/n AC-619B).