Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II
Fairchild-Swearingen · United States · first flew 1974 · airliner
The SA226-TC Metro II is the improved and most numerously built variant of the original Metro, featuring larger passenger windows and optional RATO provisions, produced by Fairchild-Swearingen from 1974.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Three-bladed Garrett TPE331-3UW propellers; same 19-seat sausage fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Larger squared-oval cabin windows distinguish Metro II from the original Metro
- Three-bladed Garrett TPE331-3UW propellers; same 19-seat sausage fuselage
- Optional RATO (rocket-assisted takeoff) bottle in the tail cone available but rarely fitted
The key field mark separating Metro II from the original Metro is the larger, squarer window shape. Both share the three-bladed TPE331 prop; only Metro III/23 use four-bladed props. T-tail and thin wing are consistent across all Metro family members.
Specifications
- The Swearingen SA226-TC Metro II has a length of 18.09 m (59 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.1 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 470 km/h (292 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Fairchild, having acquired Swearingen in 1971, introduced the Metro II in 1974 with revised cabin windows and minor aerodynamic refinements. Around 178 Metro IIs were delivered, making it the production backbone of the SA226 family before the SA227-type Metro III introduced a new type certificate, extended wingspan and four-bladed props.
Variants
Metro IIA and Metro IIB are minor update steps within the SA226-TC certification basis, distinguished by avionics and systems rather than external differences.
Where you'll see it
Widely operated by US, Canadian, European and Australian commuter and regional carriers through the 1970s and 1980s; many converted to freighters.
Related aircraft
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