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MD Explorer
	One of 5 MD 900/902 of the Baden-Württemberg State Police
Role	Light twin helicopter
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems; MD Helicopters, Inc.
First flight	18 December 1992

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. There have been two models, the original MD 900, and its successor, the MD 902.

[edit] Design and development

In January 1989, McDonnell Douglas Helicopters officially launched the development of the Explorer, initially referred to as MDX. The Explorer was the first McDonnell Douglas helicopter to incorporate the NOTAR system from its initial design.^[1] McDonnell Douglas partnered with Hawker de Haviland of Australia to manufacture the airframes. 10 prototypes were built with seven being used for ground tests. McDonnell Douglas Helicopters became a launch customer for Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW200 series of engines, with an exclusive agreement to power the first 128 Explorers with two PW206As.^[2] Meanwhile, plans to offer the Turbomeca Arrius as an option were dropped.^[1] The first flight of the Explorer took place on 18 December 1992, with ship #2 (N900MD). FAA certification for the Explorer was granted on 2 December 1994, with JAA certification following shortly after.

MD 900 (N900MH) Helicopter Noise Abatement Test

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.

In September 2000, the Explorer has been delivered with the further improved PW207E turboshaft, with improved hot and high and one engine inoperative performance.^[1]

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]

In August 2008, 30 MD Explorers operating in the United Kingdom were grounded, on the orders of McDonnell Douglas, following an incident involving a London air ambulance.^[3]

[edit] Variants

MD 900 operated by the National Park Service, based at Grand Canyon National Park

An MD Explorer operated as an air ambulance by CALSTAR

MD 900 Explorer: Initial Production model, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206A turboshaft engines.
MD 901 Explorer: Civil utility transport model, powered by two Turbomeca Arrius turboshaft engines. None ordered.
MD 902: High performance version.
MH-90 Enforcer: Armed version for the United States Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron.
Combat Explorer: One demonstrator helicopter displayed at the 1995 Paris Air Show.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Operators

Belgium

Federal Police [1]

Germany

Baden-Württemberg State Police (5 MD Explorer Units)
Lower Saxony Police [2]
Deutsche Rettungsflugwacht German Air Ambulance [3]

Luxembourg

Luxembourg Air Rescue [4]

Mexico

Mexican Navy
- Search & Rescue Unit

United Kingdom

United States

[edit] 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: 1-2
Capacity: 6 Passengers
Length: 30 ft 10 in to 32 ft 2 in (9.4 m to 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: 3,375 lb (1531 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 6,500 lb (or 6,900 lb with external load) (2,948 kg)
Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207E turboshaft, 530 kW (710 shp) each

Performance

Never exceed speed: 140 knots (161 mph, 259 km/h)
Cruise speed: 139 knots (160 mph, 258 km/h)
Range: 328 nm (608 km)
Service ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Rate of climb: 2,760 ft/min (14.0 m/s)

[edit] See also

NOTAR

Related development

Comparable aircraft

Related lists

List of military aircraft of the United States

[edit] References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Frawley, Gerard: The International Directiory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004, page 156. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7
^ Warwick, Graham. "Rotorcraft Power: PW206A described.". Flight International. periodical. 13-19 July 1994. Retrieved on 11 October 2009.
^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7553922.stm Safety scare grounds helicopters, BBC News article retrieved 11 August 2008

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: MD Explorer

MD Helicopters MD Explorer page

[Frawley_Civil-0] Frawley, Gerard: The International Directiory of Civil Aircraft, 2003-2004, page 156. Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2003. ISBN 1-875671-58-7

[1] Warwick, Graham. "Rotorcraft Power: PW206A described.". Flight International. periodical. 13-19 July 1994. Retrieved on 11 October 2009.

[BBC_News_article_11_August_2008-2] ttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7553922.stm Safety scare grounds helicopters, BBC News article retrieved 11 August 2008

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