AIR.ONE

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.

SpecAIRBUS H225Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 20.87$ 3.71
Min Crew21
Total Seats216
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerAirbus HelicoptersPilatus
Aircraft NameH225PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)4542076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats2810
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)119296680
Standard Cabin Seats196
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000$11,800,000
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew21
Total Seats216
Max Cabin Seats2810
Standard Cabin Seats196
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment Center
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23500
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelMakila 2A1FJ44-4A-QPM
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)35005000
Horsepower2100
No. of Engines22
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Flat RatingISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.452.2
Overall Height (ft)16.317.4
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