Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Robinson R66 vs Sikorsky S 92
The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter typically used for EMS, law enforcement, and short‑range corporate missions. It generally carries around 1–2 pilots plus about 4–6 passengers, with a practical range in the few‑hundred‑mile class depending on configuration and reserves. The Robinson R66 is a light, single‑engine helicopter aimed at cost‑efficient utility and private transport; it usually seats 1 pilot plus 4 passengers, with a similar short‑to‑moderate range, often somewhat constrained by payload and fuel tradeoffs versus twins. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a pressurized twin‑turboprop fixed‑wing aircraft optimized for fast business travel; it typically carries 1–2 pilots and about 6–7 passengers, and its range is substantially longer—commonly well over 1,000 miles—making it suited to regional and longer point‑to‑point trips. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a heavy, twin‑engine helicopter for offshore energy, SAR, and VIP transport; it carries far more people (often 12–19+ passengers depending on layout) and offers a longer helicopter range than the MD 902 or R66, typically in the several‑hundred‑mile class.
| Spec | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Sikorsky S-92 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Piaggio | Sikorsky |
| Aircraft Name | Avanti EVO | S-92 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1530 | 439 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3775 | 7417 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 19 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 400 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 7,695,000 | $30,650,000 |
| DOC / nm | — | $ 19.79 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | — | $ 0.94 |
| Direct Operating Cost | — | $ 3,068 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | 6600 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A–66B | CT7-8A |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 2520 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 28 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 100 | — |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 760 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 47.3 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.1 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 6.1 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.8 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 14.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 13.1 | 17.8 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 35.2 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 775 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 140 |