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Md Helicopters Md 500e vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The MD 500E is the lightest and simplest of the three, a single‑engine, five‑blade light helicopter typically used for training, utility, and observation roles. Its practical range is generally the shortest in this group, and passenger capacity is modest, commonly configured for a pilot plus around four passengers depending on interior layout and payload. The MD 600N remains a single‑engine light helicopter but steps up in cabin volume and mission flexibility. It usually offers a longer practical range than the MD 500E and can carry more people, often configured for a pilot plus roughly five to six passengers, again depending on seating and equipment. The MD 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter designed with higher redundancy and a stronger emphasis on passenger transport, public service, and offshore/IFR-capable operations where equipped. It typically provides the greatest practical range of the three and the highest passenger capacity, commonly arranged for one or two pilots plus up to six to seven passengers depending on configuration.

SpecMD Helicopters MD 500EMD Helicopters MD 600NMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 2.95$ 4.06$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats468
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameMD 500EMD 600NMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)258341317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.68$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats356
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)148320003125
Standard Cabin Seats256
Direct Operating Cost$ 398$ 545$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)135134131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 2,750,000 $3,400,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats468
Max Cabin Seats356
Standard Cabin Seats256
Engine
FADECNoNoNo
Model250-C20B250-C47PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)350020004000
Horsepower420715710
No. of Engines112
Fuel Burn (gph)354165
Fuel Capacity (gal)64118159
Dimensions
Length (ft)30.936.940.6
Overall Height (ft)8.79.712
Rotor Diameter (ft)26.427.533.9