A development of the Swearingen Excalibur, the the SA-26 Merlin first flew with a new pressurized fuselage and vertical fin powered by Lycoming turbo charged engines. To increase engine reliability and power, the Lycomings were replaced with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6 turboprops. Re-designated the Merlin IIA, 36 were built before the engines were changed again to Garrett AiResearch TPE-331 resulting in the Merlin IIB (87 built). Delivered in 1967, this Merlin was later registered N55JM and N55ZN. The last registration was cancelled in 1989.

One of six Merlin's that operated for Keewatin Air and the only one that ended up with White Industries for spares salvage.

Built in 1968 and the registration was cancelled on export as C-FSVC for Keewatin Air two days prior to the photo. On 31 May 1999 it was wrecked at Churchill/MB when it veered off the runway while landing.

Built in 1968 and here in service as an air ambulance. On 20 June 1996 it was wrecked in a runway excursion and landing gear collapse at Whale Cove/NT. Remains last known of at Winnipeg in 2014, as here.

Ex N748G. Written off landing at Whale Cove Airstrip, Nunavut, Northwest Territories 20 June 1996. Cancelled 31 October 1997. On the fin it carries the logo of Keewatin Air and above the windows the titles Nunavut.

Built in 1968 and carrying the Keewatin Air logo.

Built in 1968 and imported as C-FHDA in 1973 then later exported as N59TC. In 1990 it was re-imported as above. In 2002 it was cancelled on export to the U.S. but not registered this time.

The first 36 Swearingen Merlins, (designated IIA, as here) had P &WC PT-6 engines instead of the Garrett TPE331 used in all the rest of the Merlin/Metroliner family. This one was built in 1969, imported in 1988 and withdrawn from use in 1996.