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Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Piper M600 Sls

The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter aimed at short‑to‑medium missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and utility work. Its practical range is typically in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class, and passenger capacity is generally up to about eight people total depending on interior and mission fit (often fewer when configured for medical or specialized equipment). The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a pressurized twin‑turboprop business aircraft optimized for fast regional travel. It offers substantially longer range than the helicopter—commonly around 1,000+ nautical miles—and typically seats six to seven passengers in an executive cabin (plus one to two pilots). The Piper M600 SLS is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop positioned as a high‑performance personal/business aircraft. Its range is also in the roughly 1,000‑nautical‑mile class, and it usually accommodates about five to six passengers (plus a pilot), depending on seating layout. Overall, the 902 prioritizes vertical access and mission flexibility, while the Avanti EVO and M600 SLS prioritize longer, faster point‑to‑point travel with greater cruise efficiency.

SpecPiaggio Avanti EVOPiper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats86
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerPiaggioPiper
Aircraft NameAvanti EVOM600
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)15301406
Max Cabin Seats7
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)37752200
Standard Cabin Seats64
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)400274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 7,695,000$3,081,400
DOC / nm$ 2.19
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55
Direct Operating Cost$ 603
Cabin
Cockpit22
LavatoryNoNo
Min Crew11
Total Seats85
Max Cabin Seats7
Cabin Pressure (psi)95.6
Galley / RefreshmentNoRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats64
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2400012600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)66008644
Galley LocationMID
Engine
FADECYesNo
ModelPT6A–66BPT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)36003600
Horsepower850600
Flat RatingISA + 28ISA + 55
No. of Engines21
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Fuel Capacity (gal)260
Dimensions
Length (ft)47.329.7
Wingspan (ft)47.143.2
Cabin Width (ft)6.14.1
Cabin Height (ft)5.84
Cabin Length (ft)14.912.3
Overall Height (ft)13.111.3
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.5
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.220
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165