MD Explorer

The NOTAR helicopter built for urban operations and low noise

Overview

MD Helicopters United States ICAO: EXPL 1992–Present Active $7.2 million

The MD Explorer, also known as the MD 902, is a twin-engine light helicopter featuring the NOTAR anti-torque system. Designed for safety and reduced noise, it has been widely used in law enforcement and emergency medical roles. The aircraft represents a distinctive approach to rotorcraft design.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Pratt & Whitney PW207E
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 550 shp · 410 kW
Avionics
Digital avionics including FADEC
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
6
Crew
—
Cabin width
4 ft 9 in  ·  1.45 m
Cabin height
4 ft 1 in  ·  1.24 m
Cabin length
6 ft 3 in  ·  1.91 m
Exterior length
37 ft 4 in  ·  11.38 m
Tail height
12 ft 0 in  ·  3.66 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 7 in  ·  1.70 m
Wing span
33 ft 10 in  ·  10.30 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
6,900 lb  ·  3,150 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
3,100 lb  ·  1,400 kg
Fuel capacity
160 gal · 600 L · 500 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
135 kt  ·  155 mph  ·  250 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
374 nm  ·  430 mi  ·  690 km
Fuel burn
2.35 nm/gal  ·  1.15 km/L
Ceiling
17,500 ft  ·  5,300 m
Rate of climb
2,067 ft/min  ·  11 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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MD-900 Explorer

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Operational Context

MD Explorer — twin-engine NOTAR light helicopter

The MD Explorer was developed in the 1990s as a successor to earlier MD Helicopters models. It incorporated the NOTAR system, which eliminates the conventional tail rotor by using directed airflow for anti-torque control. The prototype first flew in 1992, and the aircraft entered service later in the decade.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207E engines, the MD 902 cruises at approximately 135 knots (250 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is about 6,250 pounds (2,835 kg). The absence of a tail rotor improves safety in confined urban environments and reduces external noise signature.

The Explorer has become a common platform for police departments, air ambulance providers, and corporate operators. Its cabin layout allows flexible mission equipment installation. The NOTAR system remains one of the most recognizable features in modern helicopter design.