RC-26D Metroliner

The RC-26D Metroliner is a specialized surveillance and transport aircraft. It is a variant of the Fairchild C-26 Metroliner, which is itself a military derivative of the successful Swearingen Metroliner civil commuter aircraft. Fairchild developed the Metroliner series, with the RC-26D specifically configured for US Navy range support, often associated with facilities like the Pacific Missile Range Facility.

Fairchild has a storied manufacturing history. The original Fairchild Semiconductor, established in 1957, is foundational to Silicon Valley. The company involved in aircraft production, Fairchild Aircraft, traces its lineage back to the 1920s. The Metroliner civil transport, which forms the basis for the RC-26D, first flew in 1969 and was introduced in 1972. The company became known for sturdy utility aircraft and military variants like the C-26, which remains in service today.

The aircraft’s maintenance needs around the Nose Section (radome, antennas, avionics), Landing Gear (NLG/MLG), and Wing & Engine Pylons (for engine components, hydraulics, and fuel systems) require careful access. Specialized platforms and stands are used for thorough inspection and repair across the entire airframe, including the Tail Section and Fuselage.