Fairchild SA227-AC Metro III
Fairchild Aircraft · United States · first flew 1980 · airliner
The SA227-AC Metro III is a significantly upgraded development of the Metro II, carrying a new FAA type certificate, extended wingspan, four-bladed propellers and more powerful Garrett TPE331-10 engines, making it the dominant Metro production variant with 273 built.
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:
- Four-bladed Dowty-Rotol propellers immediately distinguish Metro III from two-bladed or three-bladed earlier marks
- Wingspan visibly extended ~3 m versus Metro II — longer, more slender wing
- New SA227 type certificate; more powerful Garrett TPE331-10 engines in redesigned nacelles
Four-bladed props are the single most reliable field mark; all earlier Metro variants use three-bladed props. The longer wingspan is also measurably obvious when the two marks are parked side by side.
Specifications
- The Fairchild SA227-AC Metro III has a length of 18.09 m (59 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.37 m (57 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 510 km/h (317 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Fairchild introduced the Metro III under a new SA227 type certificate around 1981, the new cert allowing higher gross weights and updated systems. The extended wing and four-bladed props improved cruise efficiency and reduced cabin noise. Production ran through the mid-1980s before the Metro 23 updated the design to FAR Part 23 Amendment 34 standards.
Variants
SA227-AC is the passenger airliner; SA227-AT Expediter is the cargo variant on the same cell (separate entry). Metro 23 is a further development.
Where you'll see it
Regional and commuter carriers worldwide; the Expediter variant found favour with courier operators including DHL and FedEx feeder networks.
Related aircraft
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