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Md Helicopters Md 600n vs Md Helicopters Md 902 Exlplorer vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx

The MD Helicopters MD 600N and MD 902 Explorer are light turbine helicopters, while the Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop fixed‑wing airplane, so it generally offers much greater range and speed but requires runways rather than vertical/near-vertical access. In category, the MD 600N is a light single‑engine utility helicopter known for its NOTAR anti‑torque system, typically configured for general utility and short‑range missions. The MD 902 Explorer is a light twin‑engine helicopter (also using NOTAR) aimed more at missions that value twin‑engine redundancy, such as EMS, law enforcement, and offshore/urban operations. For range, both helicopters are typically in the few‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class depending on fuel, payload, and reserves, whereas the PC‑12 NGX is typically around the 1,500‑nautical‑mile class, making it better suited to longer regional trips. For passenger capacity, the MD 600N commonly seats about six to seven occupants including pilot, the MD 902 typically seats about eight to ten including pilots depending on layout, and the PC‑12 NGX commonly carries six to nine passengers in executive configurations (with higher maximum seating possible in commuter layouts).

SpecMD Helicopters MD 600NMD Helicopters MD 902 ExlplorerPilatus PC-12 NGX
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.06$ 7.54$ 2.78
Min Crew111
Total Seats688
Flight RulesVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerMD HelicotpersMD HelicotpersPilatus
Aircraft NameMD 600NMD 902 ExlplorerPC-12 NGX
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)3413171803
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.68$ 0.94$ 0.46
Max Cabin Seats569
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)20003125—
Standard Cabin Seats566
Direct Operating Cost$ 545$ 988$ 793
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Gyro / AnalogGarmin G500HHoneywell Primus Apex
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)134131290
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $3,400,000 $7,250,000 $5,350,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Min Crew111
Total Seats688
Max Cabin Seats569
Standard Cabin Seats566
Lavatory——Optional
Cargo Door——Yes
Lavatory Location——FWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)——5.8
Galley / Refreshment——No
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)——13100
Engine
FADECNoNoYes
Model250-C47PW207EPT6E-67XP
Fuel TypeJetFuelJetFuel—
TBO (hrs)200040005000
Horsepower7157101200
No. of Engines121
Fuel Burn (gph)4165—
Fuel Capacity (gal)118159—
Flat Rating——ISA + 35
Usable Fuel (gal)——402
Dimensions
Length (ft)36.940.647.25
Overall Height (ft)9.71214
Rotor Diameter (ft)27.533.9—
Wingspan (ft)——53.33
Cabin Width (ft)——5
Cabin Height (ft)——4.9
Cabin Length (ft)——16.9
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)——4.25
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)——40