Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner (Metro 23 / SA227-DC)

Judge Dredd 🇦🇺

20 Sep 2026 · © Judge Dredd

Sharp Airlines Fairchild Swearingen Metro 23 (VH-OYB) captures a classic regional turboprop on short final.

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Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner (Metro III/Metro 23 likely)

Aircraft

Swearingen Metroliner (Metro 23 / SA227-DC) SW4

Sharp Airlines standard livery

VH-OYB

Registration

Airline

Sharp Airlines

Manufacturer

Fairchild

Gear

FUJIFILM X-S10 XC 50-230mm F4.5-6.7 OIS II

Achievements

Turboprop Tracker, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Runway Royalty, First Catch

5 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 76.0

Nice panning and clear livery, but the nose and reg lack sharpness—motion blur softens detail.

Location

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport

SYD/YSSY

-33.9461, 151.1770

Open map

Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport SYD

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner is a classic regional airliner, widely used for commuter routes, especially in Australia and North America.

Fleet Rarity

Less than 150 Metro 23s remain operational worldwide, with Sharp Airlines being one of few remaining scheduled operators.

Record Flights

Operates short regional hops, often connecting small communities in Australia. Not used for long or record flights.

Safety & Events

A robust workhorse with several non-fatal incidents in its operating history, but generally known for reliability.

Future Outlook

Gradually being retired from passenger service in favor of more modern types, but still found in remote regions.

Specifications

Garrett TPE331-12UAR-701G turboprop

Engine

17.37 m

Wingspan

18.10 m

Length

2,400 km

Range

463 km/h

Speed

19 passengers

Capacity

6,575 kg

MTOW

5.13 m

Height

820 shp (shaft horsepower) per engine

Thrust

Approx 86 dB (measured) / ICAO Chapter 3

Noise