Swearingen Sa226-T

Twin Turboprop

The Swearingen Merlin represents one of the most successful transformations in business aviation history — what began as a piston-powered Beech Queen Air evolved into a sophisticated pressurized turboprop through Ed Swearingen's engineering vision in the late 1960s. The SA226-T series, marketed as the Merlin IIB and Merlin III, featured Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines and a distinctive T-tail configuration that gave the aircraft exceptional high-altitude performance and a pressurized cabin capable of climbing to 27,000 feet. Swearingen's modifications were so extensive that the Merlin earned its own type certificate, and the design proved popular enough that Fairchild acquired the company in 1971, continuing production through the 1980s. The Merlin carved out a niche as a fast corporate transport and air ambulance platform, offering near-jet speeds of 280 knots while retaining turboprop economy and short-field capability. Its rugged construction and reliable PT6 powerplants have kept many examples flying decades after production ended, serving owner-operators, charter companies, and cargo haulers who value its 1,500-nautical-mile range and ability to operate from runways too short for comparable jets. SkyMeter has tracked 8 flights across 2 airframes and 2 operators, with BOSWELL JEFFREY the largest observed operator.