Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls
The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter, best suited to short‑range missions such as urban transport, patrol, and offshore support. Its practical range is typically a few hundred nautical miles, and it usually carries about six to eight passengers depending on configuration. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a pressurized twin‑turboprop airplane optimized for fast regional trips; it offers a roughly 1,500–1,800 nautical mile range and commonly seats six to nine passengers in an executive layout. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for longer, faster point‑to‑point travel and flexible operations; range is around 2,000 nautical miles and typical passenger capacity is about eight to ten. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine pressurized turboprop positioned for owner‑pilots and efficient regional flying; range is about 1,400–1,600 nautical miles with seating typically five to six passengers. Overall, the 902 prioritizes vertical access over range, the M600 and Avanti focus on efficient regional travel, and the PC‑24 offers the highest speed and jet‑class range with more cabin flexibility.
| Spec | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Pilatus PC-24 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Piaggio | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | Avanti EVO | PC-24 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1530 | 2076 | 1406 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3775 | 6680 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 400 | 440 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 7,695,000 | $11,800,000 | $3,081,400 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 3.71 | $ 2.19 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 1,619 | $ 603 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 10 | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional Refreshment Center | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 | 23500 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 6600 | — | 8644 |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | MID |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A–66B | FJ44-4A-QPM | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 28 | ISA + 23 | ISA + 55 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 100 | — | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 47.3 | 52.2 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.1 | 55.8 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 6.1 | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.8 | 5.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 14.9 | 23 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.4 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.5 | 3.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 35.2 | 90 | 20 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 165 |