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.
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 520N | MD Helicopters MD 600N | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.38 | $ 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 520N | MD 600N | MD 902 Exlplorer |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 210 | 341 | 317 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.85 | $ 0.68 | $ 0.94 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1764 | 2000 | 3125 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 416 | $ 545 | $ 988 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 123 | 134 | 131 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $ 2,900,000 | $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-C20R | 250-C47 | PW207E |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | JetFuel |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 2000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 450 | 715 | 710 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 35 | 41 | 65 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 64 | 118 | 159 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 31.4 | 36.9 | 40.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 8.8 | 9.7 | 12 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 27.4 | 27.5 | 33.9 |