Fairchild SA227-AT Expediter
Fairchild Aircraft · United States · first flew 1981 · transport aircraft
The SA227-AT Expediter is the dedicated all-cargo variant of the Metro III, distinguished by a windowless fuselage, strengthened freight floor and a large cargo door, purpose-built for express freight and courier operations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | No cabin windows — completely blank fuselage sides distinguish the all-cargo Expediter from passenger Metros |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- No cabin windows — completely blank fuselage sides distinguish the all-cargo Expediter from passenger Metros
- Large rear-loading cargo door on the left rear fuselage, visible as a break in the skin line
- Four-bladed Dowty-Rotol props on SA227 Metro III-based airframe
The completely blank fuselage with no passenger windows makes the Expediter instantly distinctive from all Metro passenger variants. The large left-rear cargo door is visible as a panel seam when closed. Four-bladed props confirm SA227 family membership.
Specifications
- The Fairchild SA227-AT Expediter 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 developed the Expediter in parallel with the Metro III passenger version, targeting the growing overnight express freight market. Around 22 were produced; operators included DHL feeder contractors and various cargo airlines. The windowless blank fuselage and freight door are factory installations, not aftermarket conversions.
Variants
No major sub-variants. Some Expediters were later fitted with avionics updates or re-engined under the Metro 23 certification basis, becoming 'Expediter 23'.
Where you'll see it
Express cargo carriers, feeder freight operations, and military liaison transport in some countries. The Expediter 23 extends the type into modern service.
Related aircraft
- Fairchild SA227-AC Metro III
- Fairchild Metro 23
- Dornier 228-100
- HAL Dornier 228
- LearAvia Lear Fan 2100
- An-124 Ruslan
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