The Swearingen SA-226T “Merlin” III is a 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.