An international helicopter industry advisory board guided the design and development of the
MD Explorer® with an objective to produce a multipurpose twin-engine helicopter that would set new standards in performance, affordability, dependability and safety.
The MD Explorer® was initially certified under FAA Part 27 in December 1994, and is currently certified by FAA and JAA for day/night VFR and single pilot IFR with full Category A design standards to JAR-OPS 3 performance Class I.
Powered by two Pratt and Whitney Canada PW207E engines, the MD Explorer® features a fully articulated main rotor system, bearingless composite flexbeams and rotor hub. Anti-torque control is provided by the patented NOTAR™ system that reduces pilot workload and external noise levels, and significantly improves safety in confined areas and on offshore platforms.
The six-place MD Explorer® cabin is the largest in the light twin class and is accessed through two 52 inch (1.32m) sliding cabin doors and a large baggage compartment. Energy absorbing, stroking cabin seats meet stringent FAR Part 27.562 requirements up to 30g at 30 feet per second. The large cabin makes the MD Explorer® ideally suited for rapid role change from an Offshore/Onshore six-place passenger transport to Emergency Medical Services or Law Enforcement missions. Large selections of optional equipment have been fully qualified to meet various operational requirements. A heavy-duty cargo hook permits 3,000-pound (1360-KG) external load operations.
MD Explorer® safety and maintainability are enhanced by built-in HIRF and lightning strike protection, built-in maintenance steps and platforms, and a composite airframe that is resistant to corrosion in a hostile marine environment.
Dual hydraulic controls Mechanical NOTAR
® controls Trim system 3.7.6 Vertical stabilizer control
system (VSCS) 3.8 Propulsion system 3.8.1 Engine
installation 3.8.2 Engine type and
performance
Speed for
best range
Speed for best endurance Fuel flow, AEO, SL
ISA Fuel flow, AEO, 4000 ft Hp ISA Fuel flow, AEO, SL,
ISA +20°C Fuel flow, AEO, 4000 ft Hp, ISA
+20°C Performance Payload - range Longitudinal center
of gravity range Height velocity
diagram Miscellaneous Vibrations Temperature Noise
Multi-Purpose. Affordable. Dependable. High-Performance.