New In The Aircraft Salvage Hangar - September 23, 2024

The Swearingen SA226-T(B), commonly known as the Metro II, is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed for regional and commuter airline operations. It was developed in the late 1960s and became popular throughout the 1970s and 1980s for its efficient performance and capacity to accommodate a good number of passengers. With a comfortable cabin typically configured to hold up to 19 passengers, the Metro II is known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities, making it an ideal choice for flying to smaller airports with shorter runways. Its turboprop engines provide reliability and fuel efficiency, important factors for regional airlines aiming to minimize operational costs.

The Swearingen SA226-T(B) was designed and built by Swearingen Aircraft, an American aerospace company. Founded by Richard Swearingen in the late 1950s, the company focused on creating regional aircraft that catered to the needs of smaller airlines and commuter operations. The Metro series, including the SA226-T(B), was developed to provide efficient performance and versatility for regional flight markets. The aircraft's design emphasizes reliability and operational efficiency, making it a popular choice during its production years, which spanned from the early 1970s to the late 1980s.

Swearingen Aircraft Company was founded in 1959 by Richard Swearingen in San Antonio, Texas. Initially, the company aimed to produce small aircraft for the general aviation market, but it soon shifted its focus to the design and manufacture of regional transport aircraft. The company gained prominence in the 1960s with the introduction of the Swearingen Merlin, a light twin aircraft, which was well-received in the market. The success of this model led to the development of the SA226 series, notably the Metro II, which became a staple for regional airlines and air taxi services. Despite achieving significant success, the company faced financial challenges in the late 1980s, which led to its eventual acquisition by Fairchild Industries in 1982. While operations continued under the Fairchild name for a time, the legacy of Swearingen Aircraft lives on through its contribution to regional aviation and the enduring popularity of its aircraft designs.

We expect to recover parts and components from this aircraft, such as...