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.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 500E | MD Helicopters MD 600N | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.95 | $ 4.06 | $ 7.54 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers |
| Aircraft Name | MD 500E | MD 600N | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 258 | 341 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1483 | 2000 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 398 | $ 545 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 135 | 134 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 2,750,000 | $3,400,000 | $7,250,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | No |
| Model | 250-C20B | 250-C47 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 420 | 715 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 35 | 41 | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 64 | 118 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 30.9 | 36.9 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.7 | 9.7 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 26.4 | 27.5 | 33.9 |