Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Airbus H225 and the MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are both helicopters, typically used for missions like offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility work, while the Pilatus PC-24 is a twin‑engine business jet aimed at fast point‑to‑point travel. In range, the PC-24 generally offers the longest legs, commonly around 2,000 nautical miles depending on payload and conditions, far exceeding what most helicopters can do. The H225 is a long‑range heavy helicopter, often around the 450–600 nautical mile class, whereas the lighter 902 Explorer is typically shorter‑legged, roughly a few hundred nautical miles. For passenger capacity, the H225 is the largest, commonly configured for about 19 passengers (and can be arranged for more in high‑density layouts), the 902 Explorer usually carries around 8–10 passengers, and the PC-24 typically seats about 6–10 passengers in executive configurations. Overall, the H225 prioritizes lift and cabin volume, the 902 emphasizes smaller‑crew utility and agility, and the PC-24 prioritizes speed and long range.
| Spec | AIRBUS H225 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 20.87 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Airbus Helicopters | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | H225 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 454 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.99 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 11929 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,963 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 142 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 29,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 28 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | Makila 2A1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 2100 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 684 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 63.4 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.3 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 53.2 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 547 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 23 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 |