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MD Helicopters MD Explorer
| MD Explorer | |
|---|---|
| MD 902 (German police) | |
| Type | Light twin helicopter |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems MD Helicopters, Inc. |
The MD Helicopters MD Explorer is a light twin utility helicopter. Designed in the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, it is currently produced by MD Helicopters, Inc.
History
The MD Explorer light twin helicopter is the first all new design to incorporate the unique NOTAR system.[1] McDonnell Douglas Helicopters launched the Explorer as the MDX in January 1989. First flight took place on December 18 1992. Full certification for the initial PW206B powered Explorer (unofficially designated MD 900) version was granted in December 1994.
One of the most advanced helicopters in its market segment, the MD Explorer features Boeing's unique NOTAR anti torque system, with benefits including increased safety, far lower noise levels and performance and controllability enhancements.[1] Instead of an anti-torque tail rotor, a fan exhaust is directed out slots in the tail boom, using the Coandă effect for yaw control. Boeing retains the design rights to the NOTAR technology despite selling the former McDonnell Douglas civil helicopter line to MD Helicopters in early 1999.
The Explorer also features an advanced bearingless five blade main rotor with composite blades, plus carbonfibre construction tail and fuselage.[1]
Initial Explorers were powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206Bs (the Explorer was the first application for the PW200 series), while plans to offer the Turbomeca Arrius as an option were dropped.[1] In September 1997 a range of improvements were introduced, including PW206E turboshafts with higher single engine inoperative ratings, revised engine air inlets, improved NOTAR inlet design and a more powerful stabiliser control system. Benefits include improved range and endurance and an increased max takeoff weight. This enhanced Explorer was unofficially designated the MD 902.
From September 2000 the Explorer has been delivered with the further improved PW207E turboshaft, with improved hot and high and one engine inoperative performance.[1]
Operators
Mexico
Specifications (MD 902)
This aircraft article is missing some (or all) of its specifications. If you have a source, you can help Wikipedia by adding them.General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 30 ft 10 in - 32 ft 2 in (9.4 m - 9.8 m)
- Rotor diameter: 33ft 10 in (10.3)
- Height: 8 ft 6 in - 11 ft 2 in (2.6 m - 3.4 m)
- Empty weight: 1,975 lbs (896 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 3,549 lbs (1,610 kg)
- Powerplant: 1× One Allison T63-A-5A or T63-A-700 Turboshaft, 317 hp (236 kW)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 152 knots (175 mph, 282 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 135 knots (155 mph, 250 km/h)
- Range: 267 miles (430 km)
- Service ceiling: 15,994 ft (4,875 m)
- Rate of climb: 2,067 ft/min (10.5 m/s)
References
Related content
Comparable aircraft
Designation sequence
Related lists
See also
- NOTAR
- Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, the present owners of McDonnell Douglas
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