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| The Merlin series of turboprop executive transports was Swearingen's1st manufacturing program, and laid the foundations for the successful Metro series of commuters. Prior to the original Merlin II, Swearingen specialised in building conversions of existing aircraft into corporate transports. The Merlin II (or SA26T) was an example of this policy in that it is based on the Beech Queen Air and Twin Bonanza. The Merlin combined the wing of the Queen Air with the Twin Bonanza's undercarriage and an all new Swearingen designed pressurised fuselage and tail. The first Merlins were powered by two 300kW (400hp) Lycoming TIGO540s, while the Merlin IIA was powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A20 turboprops. The prototype IIA flew for the first time on April 13 1965 and 33 were built before production switched to the AiResearch TPE331 powered Merlin IIB. The improved and slightly larger Merlin III combined the Merlin II's fuselage but stretched slightly and with a new tail; and the wings and landing gear of the Metro II airliner and more powerful engines. The Merlin III (or SA226T) was certificated on July 27 1970. The Merlin III was followed by the Merlin 300 (by which time Fairchild had acquired the Merlin and Metro lines) which introduced aerodynamic improvements including winglets. Only 10 were built. |
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| Seating (normal) |
8 |
Max Takeoff (lbs) |
12,500 |
| Seating (maximum) |
- |
Certified Ceiling (ft) |
31,000 |
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| Engines |
2 Hon TPE331-10U-503G |
To (Sealevel, ISA Temp) (ft) |
2,400 |
| Output lbs ea. Flat Rating |
900shp |
Landing Distance (ft) |
- |
| Maximum Mach No. |
- |
Max Range (fuel) (nm) |
2,312 |
| High Speed Cruise (Kts) |
303 |
Max Range (payload) (nm) |
- |
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| Flight Time 300nm |
1 + 6 |
Flight Time 1000nm |
3 + 41 |
| Flight Time 600nm |
2 + 13 |
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| External |
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Internal |
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| Length (ft) |
42.20 |
Length (ft) |
10.60 |
| Height (ft) |
16.80 |
Height (ft) |
4.80 |
| Span (ft) |
46.30 |
Width: Max floor (ft) |
5.20 |
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