Fairchild Metro 23
Fairchild Aircraft · United States · first flew 1987 · airliner
The Metro 23 is the final major development of the Metro family, certified to the updated FAR Part 23 Amendment 34 standards with more capable engines and optional EFIS glass avionics, remaining in production until Fairchild's 1999 bankruptcy.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.09 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- SA227-DC certification to FAR Part 23 Amendment 34 — the '23' in the name references the new regulatory standard
- Four-bladed props (as Metro III) on same extended-wingspan airframe; avionics updated to EFIS glass cockpit
- Optional winglets available on some examples — no earlier Metro variant offered winglets
Very similar to Metro III; the glass EFIS cockpit is detectable through the windscreen. Optional winglets, when fitted, are the most visible external distinguisher. Without winglets, identical to Metro III at normal distances.
Specifications
- The Fairchild Metro 23 has a length of 18.09 m (59 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.37 m (57 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 533 km/h (331 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Fairchild introduced the Metro 23 in the late 1980s under the SA227-DC type designation. The '23' designates certification to FAR Part 23 in its 34th amendment, a significantly updated regulatory standard from the earlier SA227-AC Metro III baseline. Updated engine dash numbers (TPE331-12 or -14) improve hot-and-high performance. Around 110 Metro 23s were delivered before Fairchild Aircraft ceased production.
Variants
Metro 23 (passenger), Metro 23 EF (with external baggage pod below fuselage), Expediter 23 (cargo), Merlin 23 (executive).
Where you'll see it
Regional carriers and corporate operators worldwide; some remain in service in Africa, South America and Asia.
Related aircraft
- Fairchild SA227-AT Expediter
- Fairchild SA227-AC Metro III
- Airbus A320
- BAe 146-300
- Bombardier Learjet 31A
- Dash 8 Q300
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