Passing of an aviation legend

[RWB]

Edward “Ed” J. Swearingen, who worked with aviation pioneers Dee Howard and Bill Lear, and started his own company developing, among others, the Swearingen Merlin and Metro series, died Thursday of complications following hip surgery at 88.

Throughout his career, Swearingen designed 30 airplane projects, including the Merlin, the Fairchild Metro series and his last completed project, the SJ-30 business jet.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/obituari...ir-5484848.php
http://www.mysanantonio.com/obituari...in-5482206.php

A article from 2009 detailing his aviation career
http://airportjournals.com/ed-sweari...-of-invention/