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Curti Zefhir vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The Curti Zefhir is a light, fixed‑wing aircraft designed primarily for economical personal flying and basic training, while the MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light utility helicopter aimed at law enforcement, EMS support, corporate transport, and other mission roles requiring vertical takeoff and landing. In terms of range, the Zefhir typically offers a longer point‑to‑point cruising range for its class because fixed‑wing aircraft are generally more fuel‑efficient in forward flight, whereas the MD 902’s range is usually shorter, reflecting the higher fuel burn of rotary‑wing operations but offset by the ability to operate without runways and to hover or maneuver precisely at low speed. Passenger capacity also differs: the Zefhir is normally configured as a two‑seat aircraft (pilot plus one passenger), while the MD 902 commonly seats a pilot and several passengers, with many interiors configured around five to seven total seats depending on equipment and mission fit.

SpecCurti ZefhirMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Total Seats28
ManufacturerCurtiMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameZefhirMD 902 Exlplorer
Max Range (nm)319317
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$58,823 $7,250,000
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 7.54
Min Crew1
Flight RulesVFR
CertificationFAA / EASA
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats6
OEM VerificationUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)3125
Standard Cabin Seats6
Direct Operating Cost$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)131
Cabin
Cockpit2
Min Crew1
Total Seats8
Max Cabin Seats6
Standard Cabin Seats6
Engine
FADECNo
ModelPW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)4000
Horsepower710
No. of Engines2
Fuel Burn (gph)65
Fuel Capacity (gal)159
Dimensions
Length (ft)40.6
Overall Height (ft)12
Rotor Diameter (ft)33.9