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Dassault Falcon 8x vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Dassault Falcon 8X and the MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer serve very different missions. The Falcon 8X is a long-range, large-cabin business jet designed for high-speed intercity and intercontinental travel, cruising high above weather and covering vast distances efficiently. By contrast, the 902 Explorer is a twin-engine light utility helicopter optimized for short-range, point-to-point access where runways are unavailable, such as downtown pads, remote sites, and medical or law-enforcement operations. In range, the Falcon 8X is in an entirely different class, offering roughly 6,450 nautical miles, enabling nonstop flights such as New York to the Middle East or Europe to much of Asia depending on conditions. The 902 Explorer typically offers a few hundred nautical miles of range (often around 300–400 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves), making it suitable for regional missions rather than long-haul travel. Passenger capacity also differs: the Falcon 8X commonly seats about 12–16 passengers in executive layouts, while the 902 Explorer generally carries a small group, typically around 4–6 passengers plus crew, with flexibility for mission equipment.

SpecDassault Falcon 8X
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 7.66
Min Crew2
Total Seats17
ManufacturerDassault Falcon
Aircraft Name8X
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6450
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.64
Max Cabin Seats16
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)36900
Standard Cabin Seats14
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,805
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Honeywell Primus EASy II
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)516
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 62,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit3
Lavatory2 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew2
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatYes
Total Seats17
Galley LocationFWD
Max Cabin Seats16
Lavatory LocationFWD / AFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)10.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalley
Standard Cabin Seats14
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)29200
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)3900
Engine
FADECYes
ModelPW307D
TBO (hrs)On-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)6722
No. of Engines3
Dimensions
Length (ft)80.2
Wingspan (ft)86.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.7
Cabin Height (ft)6.2
Cabin Length (ft)42.7
Overall Height (ft)26.1
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)1695
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)6.3
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)29.2
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)140