MD902 Explorer

Registration: G-HDBV
Country of origin: USA
Built: McDonnell Douglas Helicopters, Arizona, USA, 2000
Manufacturer: MD Helicopters
Constructor's Number: 900-00080
Engine: Two Pratt & Whitney 207E turboshaft engines

Type: Two plus six seat utility helicopter

Note: Operated as an air ambulance. The MD902 is noted for using NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) giving its tail a unique appearance and quieter sound profile than a more traditional tail rotor..

Details: The MD900 Explorer twin-engined utility helicopter was developed by McDonnell Douglas Helicopters and the type first flew in 1992. The types has a distinctive NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) design in which the tail rotor is replaced with an internal variable pitch fan which blows ducted air out of nozzles in the tail boom.

This example serial number 900-0080 first flew in October 2000 and was fitted out as an air ambulance. It was operated by Schreiner Airways in The Netherlands registered as PH-SHF from 2001 until 2005. It was imported as G-SASH to the UK by Police Aviation Services in Gloucestershire. From 2006 it was operated by Yorkshire Air Ambulance averaging 300 hours per year rescuing and transporting casualties to hospitals across Yorkshire. It was withdrawn from use at the end of 2016 having flown 4422.2 hours.

It was subsequently registered as G-HDBV and owned by Hel Data BV before being transferred to Eastern Atlantic Helicopters of Shoreham, Sussex, and Flitwick Helicopters who donated it to the museum where it arrived on 6th March 2025. It had been used as a source of spares with the engines, gearbox and other parts removed for other MD 900s so is currently partially incomplete.

The museum plans to use the helicopter for display highlighting the NOTAR system and the work of air ambulances

Performance:
Power: 2x Pratt & Whitney 207E turboshaft engines
Max Speed: 134 kn (154 mph, 248 km/h)
Empty Weight: 3,375 lb (1,531 kg)
Range: 293 nmi (337 mi, 543 km)
Max takeoff weight: 6,250 lb (2,835 kg) (internal load), 6,900 lb (3,130 kg) (slung load)