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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 Seats10—19
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 Rules—IFRIFR
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed FlushingNo—
Min Crew112
Crew RestNo——
Jump SeatNo——
Cargo DoorYes——
Total Seats6521
Galley LocationFWDMID—
Max Cabin Seats10—19
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
Horsepower—6002520
Fuel Capacity (gal)—260760
Fuel Type——JetFuel
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