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

The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) MD 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter typically used for short‑to‑medium missions such as EMS, law enforcement, and corporate shuttles. Its practical range is in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class, and it generally carries a pilot plus about six to seven passengers depending on interior and mission equipment. The Piper M600 SLS is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing aircraft aimed at personal and business travel. Compared with the helicopters, it offers substantially longer range—typically around 1,000+ nautical miles—at higher cruise speeds, but with a smaller cabin. Passenger capacity is usually one pilot with up to five passengers (six seats total), emphasizing efficient point‑to‑point travel between airports. The Sikorsky S‑92 is a medium‑lift twin‑engine helicopter designed for offshore energy transport, SAR, and VIP/utility roles. It has the highest passenger capacity of the three, commonly configured for roughly 19 passengers, and its range is generally several hundred nautical miles—often comparable to or greater than the MD 902 depending on fit—prioritizing payload and mission capability over fixed‑wing endurance.

SpecPiper M600 SLSSikorsky S-92
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 2.19$ 19.79
Min Crew12
Total Seats621
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerPiperSikorsky
Aircraft NameM600S-92
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1406439
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55$ 0.94
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)22007417
Standard Cabin Seats419
Direct Operating Cost$ 603$ 3,068
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)274155
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,081,400 $30,650,000
Max Cabin Seats19
Cabin
Cockpit22
LavatoryNo
Min Crew12
Total Seats521
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.6
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats419
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)12600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8644
Max Cabin Seats19
Engine
FADECNoYes
ModelPT6A-42ACT7-8A
TBO (hrs)36004000
Horsepower6002520
Flat RatingISA + 55
No. of Engines11
Fuel Capacity (gal)260760
Fuel TypeJetFuel
Dimensions
Length (ft)29.7
Wingspan (ft)43.2
Cabin Width (ft)4.1
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)12.3
Overall Height (ft)11.317.8
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165775
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)20
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)140