MD Helicopters MD Explorer

The MD Helicopters MD Explorer is a tandem‑seat, light utility helicopter that first took to the skies in 1992 as the MD900, later evolving into the MD901 and the modern MD Explorer series. Developed by the legacy of McDonnell Douglas and later MD Helicopters, the aircraft was conceived to fill a niche for a fast, low‑cost platform capable of training, law‑enforcement, EMS and offshore operations. Its most recognizable feature is the distinctive coaxial main‑rotor system, which eliminates the need for a tail rotor, reducing overall size, noise and mechanical complexity while delivering high lift efficiency and exceptional maneuverability. Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207E turboshaft, the Explorer cruises at 150 knots with a range exceeding 300 nautical miles and can operate in hot‑and‑high conditions. The spacious cabin, large cargo door and optional equipment packages have made it popular worldwide, with operators in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The MD Explorer’s combination of innovative rotor technology, versatile mission capability and relatively low operating costs has cemented its role as a pivotal bridge between legacy light helicopters and the next generation of compact rotorcraft.