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).
| Spec | MD Helicopters MD 600N | MD Helicopters MD 902 Exlplorer | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.06 | $ 7.54 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | MD Helicotpers | MD Helicotpers | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | MD 600N | MD 902 Exlplorer | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 341 | 317 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.68 | $ 0.94 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2000 | 3125 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 545 | $ 988 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Gyro / Analog | Garmin G500H | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 134 | 131 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $3,400,000 | $7,250,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | — | Optional |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | No |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 13100 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | Yes |
| Model | 250-C47 | PW207E | PT6E-67XP |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 2000 | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 715 | 710 | 1200 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | 41 | 65 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 118 | 159 | — |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 35 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 36.9 | 40.6 | 47.25 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.7 | 12 | 14 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 27.5 | 33.9 | — |
| 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 |