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Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls vs Sikorsky S 92

The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer and the Sikorsky S‑92 are rotorcraft, while the Pilatus PC‑24 and Piper M600 SLS are fixed‑wing airplanes. In category, the 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter suited to short‑range utility, EMS, and law enforcement missions, whereas the S‑92 is a much larger medium/heavy twin helicopter built for offshore transport and high‑capacity commercial or government roles. The PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for fast point‑to‑point travel and flexible operations, and the M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop aimed at owner‑pilots and efficient regional trips. On range, the PC‑24 typically offers the longest reach (roughly around 2,000 nautical miles class, depending on load and reserves), the M600 SLS follows at about the mid‑1,000 nautical mile class, and both helicopters generally have shorter ranges, commonly in the few‑hundred nautical mile class depending on configuration. Passenger capacity differs sharply: the 902 Explorer commonly carries around 6–8, the M600 SLS seats up to 6, the PC‑24 is typically configured around 6–10, and the S‑92 can carry roughly 19 passengers in high‑density layouts.

SpecPilatus PC-24Piper M600 SLSSikorsky S-92
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 3.71$ 2.19$ 19.79
Min Crew112
Total Seats6621
ManufacturerPilatusPiperSikorsky
Aircraft NamePC-24M600S-92
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)20761406439
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.62$ 0.55$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats1019
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)668022007417
Standard Cabin Seats6419
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,619$ 603$ 3,068
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex)Garmin G3000EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)440274155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$11,800,000$3,081,400 $30,650,000
Flight RulesIFRIFR
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed FlushingNo
Min Crew112
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Total Seats6521
Galley LocationFWDMID
Max Cabin Seats1019
Lavatory LocationFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.35.6
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment CenterRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats6419
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2350012600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8644
Engine
FADECYesNoYes
ModelFJ44-4A-QPMPT6A-42ACT7-8A
TBO (hrs)500036004000
Flat RatingISA + 23ISA + 55
Thrust (lbs)3435
No. of Engines211
Horsepower6002520
Fuel Capacity (gal)260760
Fuel TypeJetFuel
Dimensions
Length (ft)52.229.7
Wingspan (ft)55.843.2
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)5.64.1
Cabin Height (ft)5.14
Cabin Length (ft)2312.3
Overall Height (ft)17.411.317.8
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)9020
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165775
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)140