Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Sikorsky S 92
The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a light twin-engine helicopter typically used for short-range missions such as urban transport, EMS, and law enforcement. Its practical range is generally a few hundred nautical miles, and it usually carries a pilot plus about six to seven passengers depending on interior layout and fuel. In category terms it sits well below the other two aircraft in size, speed, and cabin volume, but it offers the key advantage of vertical takeoff and landing. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a pressurized twin‑turboprop airplane in the light business aircraft category. It is designed for fast, efficient point‑to‑point travel, commonly offering roughly 1,000–1,500 nautical miles of range and seating typically around six to eight passengers in an executive configuration. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a large, medium‑lift twin helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and VIP transport. It generally carries many more passengers than the 902 (often around 12–19 depending on fit) and offers a longer helicopter-class range, typically several hundred nautical miles, while retaining VTOL capability.
| 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 |