Helicopter • MD Helicopters • MD 902 Explorer, MD 902 Explorer Law Enforcement, MD 902 Explorer AStar conversion, MD 902 with upgraded avionics
| Manufacturer | MD Helicopters |
| Model | MD 902 Explorer |
| Category | Helicopter |
| Variants | MD 902 Explorer, MD 902 Explorer Law Enforcement, MD 902 Explorer AStar conversion, MD 902 with upgraded avionics |
| Production Years | 1992 – 2016 |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Typical TTAF | 2,800 hours |
| Markets | United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Australia |
| Price Range | $400K – $2.2M |
The MD Helicopters MD 902 Explorer is a five-seat, twin-engine light helicopter designed for versatile civilian and law enforcement applications. Introduced in the 1990s, the Explorer represents an evolution of the MD 500 series, featuring a distinctive NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) system that replaces the traditional tail rotor with a vertical propeller and directional control vanes. This innovative design reduces noise, improves safety, and enhances maneuverability. The helicopter is widely used by police departments, emergency medical services, news organizations, and private operators for reconnaissance, patrol, search and rescue, and transport missions. The MD 902's reliability, quiet operation, and compact size make it ideal for urban environments and congested airspace. Its modern avionics suite and excellent visibility from the bubble canopy provide pilots with superior situational awareness. The Explorer has become popular with law enforcement agencies across North America and internationally, offering cost-effective operations compared to larger helicopters while maintaining significant payload capacity and endurance capabilities.
Maximum Speed: 150 mph (cruise 130 mph)
Range: 330 nautical miles
Service Ceiling: 14,750 feet
Engines: 2x Turbomeca Arriel 1E turboshafts
Max Takeoff Weight: 3,350 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 113 gallons
Rotor Diameter: 35 feet 4 inches
Length: 35 feet 10 inches
Power: 650 shp combined