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Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Sikorsky S 92

The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer and Sikorsky S-92 are helicopters, while the Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑turboprop airplane and the Pilatus PC‑24 is a light twin‑jet. In range terms, the 902 Explorer is a short‑to‑medium range rotorcraft, typically a few hundred nautical miles depending on reserves and payload, suited to city-to-site missions and utility work. The larger S‑92 is a long‑range heavy helicopter, commonly used for offshore and SAR roles, with roughly 500+ nautical miles class endurance in typical configurations. The Avanti EVO generally offers around 1,500–1,700 nautical miles of range, optimized for efficient regional business travel. The PC‑24 is in a similar bracket at roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical miles depending on load and conditions, and adds higher cruise speeds plus runway flexibility. Passenger capacity also separates them: the 902 Explorer is usually configured for about 6–7 passengers, the Avanti EVO typically seats about 7–9, the PC‑24 commonly carries 6–10 in executive layouts, and the S‑92 is the people-mover, often configured around 19 passengers (or fewer in VIP/SAR).

SpecPiaggio Avanti EVOPilatus PC-24Sikorsky S-92
Summary
Cockpit222
Min Crew112
Total Seats8621
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerPiaggioPilatusSikorsky
Aircraft NameAvanti EVOPC-24S-92
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)15302076439
Max Cabin Seats71019
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)377566807417
Standard Cabin Seats6619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex)EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)400440155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 7,695,000$11,800,000 $30,650,000
DOC / nm$ 3.71$ 19.79
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.62$ 0.94
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,619$ 3,068
Cabin
Cockpit222
LavatoryNo1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew112
Total Seats8621
Max Cabin Seats71019
Cabin Pressure (psi)99.3
Galley / RefreshmentNoOptional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats6619
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2400023500
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)6600
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelPT6A–66BFJ44-4A-QPMCT7-8A
TBO (hrs)360050004000
Horsepower8502520
Flat RatingISA + 28ISA + 23
No. of Engines221
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Thrust (lbs)3435
Fuel TypeJetFuel
Fuel Capacity (gal)760
Dimensions
Length (ft)47.352.2
Wingspan (ft)47.155.8
Cabin Width (ft)6.15.6
Cabin Height (ft)5.85.1
Cabin Length (ft)14.923
Overall Height (ft)13.117.417.8
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.53.8
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.290
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)775
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)140