AIR.ONE

Md Helicopters Md 520n vs Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer

The MD Helicopters MD 520N is the smallest of the three, typically categorized as a light, single-engine utility helicopter. It is generally configured for one pilot plus up to about four passengers, and it offers the shortest range of the group, making it best suited to local missions such as training, patrol, or short-hop utility work. The MD 600N steps up within the light single-engine category, using a larger airframe and usually accommodating one pilot plus up to about five or six passengers depending on interior layout. Its range is typically greater than the 520N, supporting longer legs and heavier utility or passenger roles while still remaining in the light single-engine class. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin-engine helicopter, positioned for missions that benefit from added engine redundancy such as EMS support, offshore-adjacent utility, or corporate transport. It commonly seats one or two pilots plus up to about seven passengers, and it generally provides the greatest range of these three, depending on equipment and fuel configuration.

SpecMD Helicopters MD 520NMD Helicopters MD 600NMD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 3.38$ 4.06$ 7.54
Min Crew111
Total Seats468
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersMD Helicotpers
Aircraft NameMD 520NMD 600NMD 902 Exlplorer
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)210341317
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.85$ 0.68$ 0.94
Max Cabin Seats356
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)176420003125
Standard Cabin Seats256
Direct Operating Cost$ 416$ 545$ 988
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGyro / AnalogGarmin G500H
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)123134131
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 2,900,000 $3,400,000 $7,250,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats468
Max Cabin Seats356
Standard Cabin Seats256
Engine
FADECNoNoNo
Model250-C20R250-C47PW207E
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuelJetFuel
TBO (hrs)350020004000
Horsepower450715710
No. of Engines112
Fuel Burn (gph)354165
Fuel Capacity (gal)64118159
Dimensions
Length (ft)31.436.940.6
Overall Height (ft)8.89.712
Rotor Diameter (ft)27.427.533.9