Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66
The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer and the Robinson R66 are rotorcraft, best suited to short, flexible point‑to‑point missions where landing space is limited. In category terms they sit well below the fixed‑wing Pilatus PC‑24 and Piper M600 SLS, which are pressurized business aircraft intended for longer cross‑country travel. For range, the PC‑24 is typically the longest‑leg option of the group, designed to cover longer multi‑state or regional trips, while the M600 SLS offers strong but generally shorter range than the PC‑24. Both helicopters have markedly shorter range than the fixed‑wing aircraft, with the 902 Explorer and R66 usually used for local to regional sectors rather than extended journeys. Passenger capacity also separates them: the PC‑24 generally carries the most people in a business configuration, the M600 SLS carries fewer (typically a small cabin load), and the 902 Explorer and R66 carry the fewest, usually a pilot plus a handful of passengers depending on seating and mission equipment.
| Spec | Pilatus PC-24 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.71 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | PC-24 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 2076 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 6680 | 2200 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,619 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 440 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $11,800,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 6 | 5 |
| Galley Location | FWD | MID |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Optional Refreshment Center | Refreshment Centre |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 4 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23500 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 8644 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | No |
| Model | FJ44-4A-QPM | PT6A-42A |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 3600 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 23 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 3435 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Horsepower | — | 600 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.2 | 29.7 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 55.8 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 23 | 12.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.4 | 11.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.8 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 17 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 90 | 20 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 165 |