Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Robinson R66
The Airbus H225 and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are rotorcraft aimed at different missions: the H225 is a heavy twin-engine helicopter suited to offshore transport, search and rescue, and utility work, typically carrying around 16–19 passengers with a practical range on the order of roughly 450–550 nautical miles depending on fit and reserves. The 902 Explorer is a light twin-engine helicopter used for law enforcement, EMS, and corporate missions, generally seating about 6–8 and offering a shorter typical range around 300–350 nautical miles. The Robinson R66 is a light single-engine helicopter primarily for private, training, and light utility roles, usually carrying about 4–5 occupants with a typical range roughly 300–350 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC-24 is the outlier as a twin-engine business jet rather than a helicopter; it serves corporate and air ambulance roles, commonly configured for about 6–10 passengers (more in high-density layouts) and delivers far greater point-to-point range, roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical miles, at much higher cruise speeds.
| 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 |