View source for MD Helicopters MD Explorer

{{Short description|Light twin-engine utility helicopter}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = MD Explorer
| image = File:(cropped) London Air Ambulance G-EHMS.jpg
| caption = One of [[London's Air Ambulance]]'s two MD 902s in 2008.
| type = Light twin utility helicopter
| manufacturer = [[McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems]] <br />[[MD Helicopters]]
| designer = 
| first_flight = 18 December 1992
| introduction = 1994
| status = In service
| primary_user = [[Mexican Navy]]
| more_users = [[Landespolizei (Germany)|Landespolizei]] <br />[[Air rescue services in Luxembourg|Luxembourg Air Rescue]] <br />[[Drug Enforcement Administration]]
| produced = 1992–2019
| number_built = 
| unit cost = 
| developed_from = 
| variants = 
}}

The '''MD Helicopters MD Explorer''' is a light twin-engined utility [[helicopter]] designed and initially produced by the American rotorcraft specialist [[McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems]].

On 18 December 1992, the [[maiden flight]] was conducted, initial certification for the type followed roughly two years later. The initial model, the '''MD 900''', was joined by an improved successor, the '''MD 902''', during the late 1990s. The Explorer is currently produced by [[MD Helicopters]].

The helicopter is noted for having no tail rotor, using the NOTAR technology instead, giving its tail a unique appearance and quieter sound profile than a more traditional tail rotor.

==Development==
In January 1989, McDonnell Douglas Helicopters officially announced the launch of the Explorer, which it initially referred to as the ''MDX''. Amongst other things, the Explorer was the first McDonnell Douglas helicopter to incorporate the [[NOTAR]] system from its initial design.<ref name="Frawley Civil156">Frawley 2003, p. 156.</ref> McDonnell Douglas partnered with [[de Havilland Australia|Hawker de Havilland of Australia]], which handled the manufacturing of the airframes. A total of ten [[prototype]]s were constructed, seven of which being used for ground-based tests. McDonnell Douglas Helicopters became a launch customer for [[Pratt & Whitney Canada]]'s [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW200|PW200]] [[turboshaft]] engines, for which it had an exclusive agreement to power the first 128 Explorers with pairs of PW206As.<ref>Warwick, Graham. [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%201658.html "Rotorcraft Power: PW206A described."]. ''Flight International''. periodical. 13–19 July 1994. Retrieved on 11 October 2009.</ref> While plans had been mooted to offer the [[Turbomeca Arrius]] powerplant as an alternative option, these were subsequently discarded.<ref name="Frawley Civil156"/>

On 18 December 1992, the [[maiden flight]] of the Explorer took place, performed by ship #2 (N900MD). On 2 December 1994, [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) certification for the Explorer was granted, permitting its use in North America; [[Joint Aviation Authorities]] (JAA) certification was received shortly thereafter. However, certification of the Explorer's [[instrument flight rules]] (IFR) capability was protracted due to technical difficulties with integration; in February 1997, FAA certification for IFR operations was finally received.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/md900-explorer-faces-ifr-delay/9441.article |title = MD900 Explorer faces IFR delay |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Guy |last = Norris |date = 15 May 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/mdc-finally-wins-delayed-ifr/1070.article |title = MDC finally wins delayed IFR |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 12 February 1997 }}</ref>

[[File:MD 900 NOTAR.jpeg|thumb|left|MD 900 (N900MH) Helicopter Noise Abatement Test, 1996]]
On 29 May 1997, all Explorers were temporarily grounded following the discovery of a broken drive-link; during the following month, flight operations resumed after the FAA gave its approval of a redesigned component that addressed the issue.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/redesigned-part-puts-mdhs-explorer-back-on-the-trail/3032.article |title = Redesigned part puts MDHS Explorer back on the trail |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 18 June 1997 }}</ref>

During September 1997, a range of improvements to the Explorer were introduced. These included the availability of the PW206E engine, which had a higher single engine inoperative rating, along with revised engine air inlets, improved NOTAR inlet design, and a more powerful stabiliser control system. The benefits were improvements to both range and endurance, along with an increased maximum takeoff weight. This enhanced Explorer was unofficially designated the MD 902.

In May 1998, it was reported that [[Bell Helicopters]], as part of a wider deal with [[Boeing]], had acquired the rights to support and produce spare components for the Explorer; however, this deal did not include the ability to perform final assembly or otherwise produce complete rotorcraft. Accordingly, it was speculated that the deal could impact the long-term future of the Explorer.<ref>{{cite magazine |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=QQMH0Ovl2ucC&pg=PA32 |title = Bell buys Boeing's MD Singles |date = May 1998 |volume = 125 |number = 5 |issn = 0015-4806 |page = 32}}</ref> However, these plans were terminated due to the intervention of the US [[Federal Trade Commission]].<ref name="Frawley Civil155">Frawley 2003, p. 155.</ref> Instead, in the following year, Boeing opted to [[Corporate spin-off|spin off]] its civilian line of helicopters, including the Explorer, to the newly formed ''MD Helicopter Holdings Inc.'' (MDHI).<ref name = "boeing sale1999">{{cite web |url = http://www.boeing.com/ids/news/1999/news_release_990219o.htm |title = Boeing Completes Sale Of Light Helicopter Product Lines To RDM |publisher = Boeing |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071228222449/http://www.boeing.com/ids/news/1999/news_release_990219o.htm |archive-date = 28 December 2007 |date = 19 February 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990119n.htm |title = Boeing Announces Sale of its Light Helicopter Product Lines |publisher = Boeing |access-date = 7 February 2008 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080213053202/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1999/news_release_990119n.htm |archive-date = 13 February 2008 }}</ref>

During November 1999, the JAA recommended that all 27 member nations certify the Explorer series for Category A single pilot IFR operations.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/explorer-gets-jaa-go-ahead/29203.article |title = Explorer gets JAA go-ahead |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 10 November 1999}}</ref> In September 2000, the first Explorers had been delivered with the further improved PW207E engine, which provided improved hot and high performance, as well as when flown with only a single engine operational.<ref name="Frawley Civil156"/><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/md-takes-power/30678.article |title = MD takes power |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 22 February 2000}}</ref> During the 2000s, the company recovered from its financial woes and invested in the replenishment of its supply chain.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/mdhi-financial-woes-ease-as-helicopter-deliveries-pick-up/53964.article |title = MDHI financial woes ease as helicopter deliveries pick up |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 6 April 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/rescued-md-helicopters-rebuilds-its-supply-chain/66109.article |title = Rescued MD Helicopters rebuilds its supply chain |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 7 March 2006}}</ref>

In the 2010s, the manufacturer dedicated considerable attention to renewing the avionics of the type, such as the addition of a [[glass cockpit]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/first-flight-for-glass-cockpit-md-500/92764.article |title = First flight for glass cockpit MD 500 |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Brendan |last = Sobie |date = 6 April 2010}}</ref> During 2013, it was announced that MDHI had selected Universal Avionics’ InSight display system for the MD 902 Explorer, replacing the original [[cathode ray tube]] (CRT) displays; four years later, the company started offering an alternative arrangement with [[Genesys Aerosystems]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-01-28/md-helicopters-reroutes-back-universal-avionics-insight |title = MD Helicopters Reroutes Back To Universal Avionics InSight |publisher = ainonline.com |first = Randy |last = Padfield |date = 28 January 2020}}</ref> In January 2020, the company announced a new partnership with Universal Avionics, effectively switching back to the vendor, under which the latter would provide their fully-digital flight deck avionics for the MD 900/902 Explorer.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://uasc.com/home/library/news/2020/01/28/universal-avionics-insight-display-system-selected-for-md-helicopters-md-902-explorer |title = Universal Avionics InSight™ Display System Selected for MD Helicopters' MD 900/902 Explorer |publisher = uasc.com |date = 27 January 2020}}</ref>

In October 2015, the [[Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand]] (CAANZ) granted type acceptance to the MD 900/902 Explorer series, permitting the restriction-free importing of the type into the country.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.rotorandwing.com/2015/10/29/new-zealand-grants-md-900902-type-acceptance/ |title = New Zealand Grants MD 900/902 Type Acceptance |work = Rotor & Wing International |publisher = rotorandwing.com |date = 29 October 2015 }}</ref> That same year, the [[European Aviation Safety Agency]] (EASA) approved an increased maximum gross weight of 6,770 pounds for the MD 900/902 Explorer, increasing its maximum payload capacity by 270 pounds; this increase had been already approved by the FAA in March 2013.<ref name = "vertmag 2015">{{cite web |url = https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/easaapprovesmaxgrossweightincreaseformd900902explorer/ |title = EASA approves max gross weight increase for MD 900/902 Explorer |publisher = verticalmag.com |date = 27 April 2015 }}</ref>

Reportedly, by 2015, almost 50 percent of all MD 900/902 Explorers produced were being operated in Europe in three areas of the market: [[emergency medical services]] (EMS), [[law enforcement]] and military/para-military organizations.<ref name = "vertmag 2015"/> The EMS sector has been a deliberately selected focus area for MDHI; during 2011, the firm forecasted that [[Middle East]]ern operators would require several hundred EMS rotorcraft over the coming years.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/dubai-md-helicopters-aims-at-regions-ems-market/103006.article |title = DUBAI: MD Helicopters aims at region's EMS market |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Greg |last = Waldron |date = 15 November 2011}}</ref>

During March 2015, MDHI announced that it was in the process of redesigning the MD Explorer with a higher level of in-house content with the intention of making it more affordable and thus boost sales.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/md-helicopters-to-redesign-md902-explorer/116105.article |title = MD Helicopters to redesign MD902 Explorer |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Stephen |last = Trimble |date = 3 March 2015}}</ref> The redesign/modernisation of the MD902 Explorer was subsequently referred to the ''MD969''.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/md-helicopters-unveils-md6xx-mock-up-md969-changes/123272.article |title = MD Helicopters unveils MD6XX mock-up, MD969 changes |publisher = flightglobal.com |first = Stephen |last = Trimble |date = 7 March 2017}}</ref>

By August 2022, while the MD Explorer series was still technically in production, some operators were facing difficulties obtaining some crucial components and the supply chain was reportedly drying up. In response, some vendors were acquiring existing airframes and stripping them for their parts.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/long-read/overcoming-obsolescence |title = Overcoming obsolescence |publisher = airmedandrescue.com |first = Peter 'Foo' |last = Kennard |date = August 2022}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:G-WPAS Explorer MD900 Helicopter Specialist Aviation Services Ltd (34438961321).jpg|thumb|The design has a rotorless tail]]
The MD Helicopters MD Explorer is a twin engined utility [[helicopter]]; it is equipped with a fully-[[Helicopter rotor|articulated]] five-bladed main rotor system as well as [[Bearing (mechanical)|bearing]]less composite flexbeams and [[rotor hub]]. The fuselage is composed of [[composite material]]s, such as [[Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer|carbonfibre]], that are resistant to corrosion even in hostile marine environments, it also incorporates lightning strike protection measures.<ref name = "vertmag 2015"/> The tail features similar construction.<ref name="Frawley Civil156"/> It is powered by a pair of [[Pratt & Whitney Canada]]-built [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW200|PW200]] [[turboshaft]] engines. It can be flown by a single pilot, and carry up to six passengers at a time.<ref name="JAWA03 p679-0"/>

A key feature of the MD Explorer is the [[NOTAR]] anti-torque system; instead of a traditional tail rotor, a fan exhaust is directed out of slots in the tail boom, thus using the [[Coandă effect]] for [[Yaw (aviation)|yaw]] control. The benefits of NOTAR have reportedly included reduced pilot workload, greatly minimised external noise levels, and significant improvements in safety, particularly when operating in confined areas and from [[offshore platform]]s, along with general performance and controllability enhancements.<ref name="Frawley Civil156"/><ref name = "vertmag 2015"/> It is disputed which of the [[fenestron]] and NOTAR approaches produces less noises.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/eurocopter-and-mdhs-in-noisy-row/10323.article |title = Eurocopter and MDHS in noisy row |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 28 February 1996}}</ref> Boeing retains the design rights to the NOTAR technology despite selling the former McDonnell Douglas civil helicopter line to MD Helicopters in early 1999.<ref name = "boeing sale1999"/>

==Variants==
[[File:US Coast Guard MH90 Enforcer.jpg|thumb|MH-90 Enforcer of the United States Coast Guard, 2009]]
;MD 900 Explorer
:Initial Production model, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206A (or PW206E or PW207E) turboshaft engines.
;MD 901 Explorer
:Civil utility transport model, powered by two Turbomeca Arrius turboshaft engines and tri-angel landing gear. McDonnell Douglas Helicopters announced that this type was available from serial number 127 and upwards. By sale of civil helicopter variants to MD Helicopters the type was not further developed. None ordered.
;MD 902
:Marketing name for an enhanced version with Category A approval and powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206E or PW207E.<ref name="tc">{{Cite web |url=http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9e989fcf5c13f000862575080058b3cc/$FILE/H19NM.pdf |title=Federal Aviation Administration Type Certificate Data Sheet H19NM |access-date=2010-05-31 |archive-date=2016-12-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223054154/http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/9e989fcf5c13f000862575080058b3cc/$FILE/H19NM.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Enhanced version has additional engine isolation features and changes to the Integrated Instrument Display System.<ref name="tc" /> Older helicopters (except for the first seven built) can be modified to the enhanced version.<ref name="tc" />
;MH-90 Enforcer
:Armed version for the [[United States Coast Guard]] flown by the [[Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron]] between 1998 and 2000.
;MD 969 Combat Explorer
:[[Armed helicopter]] version.<ref name="Reim"/>
;Swift
:A high-speed compound helicopter derived from the MD 969 that was being developed for the US Army’s [[Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft]] (FARA) program.<ref name="Reim">{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hai-md-helicopters-developing-winged-md902-as-us-ar-456369/ |title = HAI: MD Helicopters developing winged MD902 as US Army scout |last = Reim |first = Garrett |date = 6 March 2019 |work = FlightGlobal |publisher = Reed Business Information Limited |access-date = 6 March 2019}}</ref> Excluded from FARA in 2019.<ref name="FaraSwift">{{cite web |url = https://www.rotorandwing.com/2019/04/12/gao-rejects-md-helicopters-fara-protest/ |title = GAO Rejects MD Helicopters FARA Protest |last = Wolfe |first = Frank |work = Rotor & Wing International |date = 12 April 2019 |publisher = Rotary and Wing |access-date = 2 July 2019 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Polizei BW MD 902 D-HBWC STR.jpg|thumb|A MD 900/902 of the [[Baden-Württemberg Police|Baden-Württemberg State Police]]]]
[[File:Md900-N368PA-hai-050208-01.jpg|thumb|MD 900 operated by the [[National Park Service]], based at [[Grand Canyon National Park]]]] 
[[File:G-EHMS MD Helicopters MD-902 Explorer (15591227036).jpg|alt=G-EHMS|thumb|[[London's Air Ambulance]] operate two MD 902]]
; {{BEL}}
* [[Federal Police (Belgium)|Federal Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.belgian-wings.be/webpages/navigator/Photos/MilltaryPics/post_ww2/McDonnell%20Douglas%20MD900%20Explorer/McDonnel%20Douglas%20MD900%20Frontpage.html |title = McDonnell Douglas MD900 Explorer |website = www.belgian-wings.be |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120522162742/http://www.belgian-wings.be/Webpages/Navigator/Photos/MilltaryPics/post_ww2/McDonnell%20Douglas%20MD900%20Explorer/McDonnel%20Douglas%20MD900%20Frontpage.html |archive-date = 22 May 2012}}</ref>
; {{GER}}
* [[Landespolizei (Germany)|Landespolizei]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.helis.com/database/modelorg/1383/ |title = Landespolizei MD 900 |access-date = 1 March 2013}}</ref>
; {{HUN}}
* [[Law enforcement in Hungary|Hungarian Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://index.hu/belfold/2016/03/25/4_milliardba_kerultek_a_hasznalt_rendorsegi_helikopterek/ |title = ORFK |date = 25 March 2016 |publisher = index.hu |access-date = 25 March 2016}}</ref>
; {{HKG}}
* [[Heliservices]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.heliservices.com.hk/about-us/ |title = Heliservices About Us - MD902 Explorer |publisher = www.heliservices.com.hk |access-date = 24 March 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150420035439/http://www.heliservices.com.hk/about-us/ |archive-date = 20 April 2015 |url-status = dead}}</ref>
; {{LUX}}
* [[Air rescue services in Luxembourg|Luxembourg Air Rescue]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.lar.lu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=123%3Aflotte&catid=58%3Aflotte-luxemburg&Itemid=50&lang=en |title = Luxembourg Air Rescue - fleet |publisher = .lar.lu |access-date = 1 March 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024634/http://www.lar.lu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=123:flotte&catid=58:flotte-luxemburg&Itemid=50&lang=en |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
* [[Grand Ducal Police|Luxembourg Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.aeroboek.nl/900/00106.HTM |title = Grand Ducal Police LX-PGA |publisher = aeroboek.nl |access-date = 1 March 2013}}</ref>
; {{MEX}}
* [[Mexican Navy]]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/explorers-for-mexican-navy/41672.article |title = Explorers for Mexican navy |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 26 February 2002}}</ref>
** 1st Shipborne Patrol Naval Air Squadron, [[Mexican Naval Aviation]]
; {{UK}}
* [[Essex & Herts Air Ambulance]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.essexairambulance.uk.com/about-us/your-helicopter.aspx |title = Essex Air Ambulance G-EHAA |publisher = essexairambulance.uk.com |access-date = 11 May 2015 |archive-date = 3 December 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161203053918/http://www.essexairambulance.uk.com/about-us/your-helicopter.aspx |url-status = dead }}</ref> 
* [[Wiltshire Police]]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/uk-police-forces-order-md-explorers/5900.article |title = UK police forces order MD Explorers |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 4 September 1996}}</ref>
; {{USA}}
* [[Calstar]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://calstar.org/operations/flight.aspx |title = CalStar - Fleet |publisher = calstar.org |access-date = 1 March 2013 |archive-date = 20 December 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151220164709/http://www.calstar.org/operations/flight.aspx |url-status = dead }}</ref>
* [[Drug Enforcement Administration]]<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.aeroboek.nl/900/00103.HTM |title = DEA N5646 |publisher = aeroboek.nl |access-date = 1 March 2013}}</ref>
* [[National Park Service]]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/heli_photos.htm |title = Helicopter Training Academy |publisher = nps.gov |access-date = 1 March 2013}}</ref>
* [[CoxHealth]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cox Air Care {{!}} CoxHealth |url=https://www.coxhealth.com/services/emergency/air-care/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=www.coxhealth.com |language=en}}</ref>
; {{JPN}}
* [[Aero Asahi#Doctor Heli|Doctor Heli]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://mdhelicopters.com/aero-asahi-corporation-and-chiba-hokushoh-hospital-achieve-10,000-hems-missions-exclusively-by-md-902-explorer.html |title=Aero Asahi CORPORATION & CHIBA HOKUSHOH HOSPITAL ACHIEVE 10,000 HEMS MISSIONS EXCLUSIVELY BY MD 902 EXPLORER |access-date=2019-11-07 |archive-date=2019-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107205106/https://mdhelicopters.com/aero-asahi-corporation-and-chiba-hokushoh-hospital-achieve-10,000-hems-missions-exclusively-by-md-902-explorer.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Former operator===
; {{UK}}
* [[Cornwall Air Ambulance]]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://cornwallairambulancetrust.org/what-we-do/our-helicopters/ |title = Our helicopters |publisher = cornwallairambulancetrust.org |access-date = 4 February 2018}}</ref>
** [[London's Air Ambulance]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-07-londons-air-ambulance-charity-orders-h135s-for-fleet-renewal | title=London's Air Ambulance Charity orders H135s for fleet renewal &#124; Airbus | date=19 July 2022 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/news/laac-launches-ps15-million-fleet-renewal-appeal | title=LAAC launches £15 million fleet renewal appeal }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/prince-william-david-beckham-londons-air-ambulance-charity-raf-northolt-helicopters-b1185234.html | title=Prince William joined by David Beckham on visit to launch new London air ambulances | date=October 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.londonsairambulance.org.uk/news-and-stories/charity-news/weve-welcomed-our-two-new-airbus-h135-helicopters-service | title=We've welcomed our two new Airbus H135 helicopters into service }}</ref>
; {{USA}}
* [[United States Coast Guard]]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/uscg-intercepts-drug-run-boats-with-armed-explorer/28610.article |title = USCG intercepts drug-run boats with armed Explorer |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 29 September 1999 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/heli-expo-2001-armed-explorer/36205.article |title = Heli-Expo 2001 - Armed explorer |publisher = flightglobal.com |date = 20 February 2001 }}</ref>
*  [[Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron]] 1998-2000

==Specifications==

{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004''<ref name="JAWA03 p679-0">Jackson 2003, pp. 679–680.</ref>
|prime units?= kts
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew= 1–2
|capacity= Six passengers / {{cvt|2565|lb|0}} internal / {{cvt|3000|lb|0}} slung load
|length ft= 32
|length in= 4
|length note=
|width ft=<!-- if applicable -->
|width in=<!-- if applicable -->
|width note=
|height ft= 12
|height in= 0
|height note=
|empty weight lb= 3,375
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb= 6,250
|max takeoff weight note=(internal load)
::::{{cvt|6900|lb|0}} (slung load)
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number= 2
|eng1 name= [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206E]] 
|eng1 type= [[turboshaft]] engines
|eng1 shp= 550
|eng1 note=

|rot number= 1
|rot dia ft= 33
|rot dia in= 10
|rot area sqft= 899.16
|rot area note=<br />
* '''Blade section:''' - '''root:''' HH-10; '''tip:''' HH-06<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1 = Lednicer |first1 = David |title = The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url = https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website = m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date = 16 April 2019}}</ref>
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|cruise speed kts= 134
|cruise speed note= at sea level
|never exceed speed kts= 140
|never exceed speed note=
|range nmi= 293
|range note=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft= 17,500
|ceiling note=<br />
* '''Hover ceiling IGE:''' {{convert|11000|ft|m|abbr=on}} at International Standard Atmosphere
|climb rate ftmin= 1,000
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[MD Helicopters MD 500]]
* [[MD Helicopters MD 600]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[AgustaWestland AW119 Koala]]
* [[Bell 427]]
* [[Bell 429 GlobalRanger]]
* [[Eurocopter EC135]]
* [[Eurocopter EC145]]
* [[HAL Dhruv]]
* [[HAL Light Utility Helicopter]]
* [[MBB/Kawasaki BK 117]]
* [[Mitsubishi MH2000]]
|lists=
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
* [[List of rotorcraft]]
|see also=
* 
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* Frawley, Gerard: ''The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004'', Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. {{ISBN|1-875671-58-7}}.
* Jackson, Paul. ''Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004''. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7106-2537-5}}.

==External links==
{{commons|MD Explorer}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090305195014/http://www.mdhelicopters.com/v2/md_explorer.php MD Helicopters MD Explorer page]
* [http://www.blueskyrotor.com/performance/datasheet/MD__Helicopters/Explorer-MD900 BlueSkyRotor.com- performance datasheet of MD900 Explorer]

{{MD Helicopters}}
{{US helicopters}}

[[Category:1960s United States helicopters]]
[[Category:1960s United States civil utility aircraft]]
[[Category:MD Helicopters aircraft|Explorer]]
[[Category:NOTAR helicopters]]
[[Category:Twin-turbine helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1992]]