Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Airbus H225 and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer are helicopters, optimized for vertical access and short-field operations, while the Embraer Legacy 650E and Piper M600 SLS are fixed‑wing business aircraft intended for longer, faster point‑to‑point travel. In category terms, the H225 is a large twin‑engine heavy utility/offshore helicopter, and the 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter often used for law enforcement, EMS, and corporate shuttles. The Legacy 650E is a long‑range large‑cabin business jet, whereas the M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop personal/business aircraft. For range, the Legacy 650E is the clear leader at roughly 3,900 nautical miles, followed by the Piper M600 SLS at about 1,650 nautical miles. The H225 typically offers on the order of 450–600 nautical miles depending on mission and reserves, while the 902 Explorer is generally around 300–400 nautical miles. Passenger capacity also differs: the H225 can carry up to about 19 passengers in high‑density seating, the Legacy 650E typically seats around 13–14 in executive configuration, the 902 Explorer commonly carries about 8–10, and the M600 SLS seats up to 5–6.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | MID |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | 260 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 55 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | 165 |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 12.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 20 |