Description:
MD Explorer is a light, twin-turbine engine, high performance, multi-purpose helicopter fitted with NOTAR anti-torque control system. It is suitable for Airborne Medical Service (AMS), law enforcement and corporate transport. Its cabin results quiet and comfortable and can accommodate as many as eight persons. Overall, MD Explorer features enhanced safety and maintainability. Its composite airframe is resistant to corrosion in a marine environment.
MD Explorer is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207E turboshaft engines rated at 625-shp each which drives a five-bladed main rotor. The NOTAR system replacing the tail rotor consists of an enclosed variable-pitch fan driven by the main transmission. A circulation control tailboom which ends at a direct jet thruster coupled with tail vertical stabilizers match the tail rotor effect allowing the directional flight of the aircraft while balancing the main rotor's torque effect. In addition, NOTAR results safer than tail rotor which is the cause for many helicopter crashes.
In August 2005 Lockheed Martin and MD Helicopters joined forces to compete for the US Army's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program. Their proposal was based on the MD Explorer fitted with NOTAR system. Up to 322 LUH helicopters were needed by the US Army between 2006 and 2015.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 1, Passengers 7
Dimensions: Height 3.7 m, Length 11.8 m, Main Rotor Diameter 10.3 m, Width 2.2 m
Weights: Max Weight 3,130 kg (6,900 lb), Min Weight 1,463 kg (3,225 lb), Payload 1,599 kg (3,525 lb)
Performance: Ceiling 6,096 m (20,000 ft), Cruise Speed 69 mps (248 kph), Endurance 3 hours 24 min, Max Range 543 km (293 nm), Top Speed 72 mps (259 kph)
France
Germany
Japan
Luxembourg
United Kingdom
United States of America