Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls
The Airbus H225 is a heavy, twin‑engine helicopter built for offshore transport, SAR, and utility work. It typically carries around 19 passengers (higher in high‑density layouts) and offers long helicopter-range capability on the order of roughly 450–550 nautical miles depending on fuel, payload, and reserves. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a much lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at law enforcement, EMS, corporate, and light utility missions. Passenger capacity is usually about 7–8 people total (including pilot), and typical range is roughly 250–350 nautical miles, varying with configuration and mission equipment. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine pressurized turboprop airplane, not a helicopter, optimized for personal and business travel. It seats up to 6 occupants and generally has the greatest range of the three, around 1,200–1,400 nautical miles, reflecting higher cruise efficiency and altitude capability compared with rotorcraft.
| 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 |