PASSENGER AIRCRAFT – HELICOPTER
MD 900 Explorer
Aircraft Summary
The MD Helicopters MD 900 Explorer is a light twin utility helicopter There have been two models, the original MD 900, and its successor, the MD 902. The aircraft is capable of transporting up to 6 passengers.
History and Features
In January 1989, McDonnell Douglas Helicopters officially launched the development of the Explorer, initially referred to as MDX. The Explorer was the first McDonnell Douglas helicopter to incorporate the NOTAR system from its initial design.McDonnell Douglas partnered with Hawker de Havilland of Australia to manufacture the airframes. 10 prototypes were built with seven being used for ground tests.
The first flight of the Explorer took place on 18 December 1992, with ship #2 (N900MD). FAA certification for the Explorer was granted on 2 December 1994, with JAA certification following shortly after.
Aircraft of similar role, configuration and era are: AgustaWestland AW119 Koala, Bell 427, Bell 429 GlobalRanger, Eurocopter EC135, Eurocopter EC145, HAL Dhruv, MBB/Kawasaki BK 117, Mitsubishi MH2000.
Charter, lease or sale we’ll find the aircraft that fits your mission.
OVERVIEW
PASSENGERS*
6
CRUISE SPEED
248 kph / 154 mph
SPECIFICATIONS
LUGGAGE SPACE
1.38 m³ / 49 ft³
COMPARABLE AIRCRAFT
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- AgustaWestland AW119 Koala
- Bell 427
- Bell 429 GlobalRanger
- Eurocopter EC135
- Eurocopter EC145
- HAL Dhruv
- MBB/Kawasaki BK 117
- Mitsubishi MH2000
REFERENCE
Model
MD 900 Explorer
Origin
USA
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems
Variants
MD 900 Explorer, MD 901 Explorer, MD 902, MH-90 Enforcer, Combat Explorer