| Crew | 1-2 | The Swearingen SA-226T “Merlin” III is a pressurized twin turboprop aircraft. It is capable of carrying up to six passengers with a crew of two. The NTPS Merlin operates under a Standard Airworthiness Certificate. Its two Garrett TPE331-SER engines produce 850 SHP each. The Merlin has a maximum takeoff weight of 12,500 lbs. The aircraft is instrumented and operates as a flying laboratory with flight test engineer consoles. NTPS uses the Merlin for Performance and Flying Qualities flight test instruction. |
| Passenger | 7 | |
| Manufacturer | Swearingen | |
| Country of Origin | USA | |
| Engine | 2 x TPE 331-3U-303G | |
| Power | 840 shp each | |
| Length | 42 ft 2 in | |
| Height | 16 ft 10 in | |
| Wing Span | 46 ft 3 in | |
| Wing Area | 277.5 ft2 | |
| MTOW | 12,500 lbs | |
| Range | 2,670 miles | |
| Vne | 265 Kcas | |
| Rate of Climb (sea level) | 2,530 ft/min | |
| Service Ceiling | 29,900 ft |