MD Helicopters MD Explorer

The MD Explorer is a sechssitziger, twin-engine helicopter with turbine drive of the U.S. manufacturer MD Helicopters.

History

The first studies of the MD Explorer was introduced by McDonnell Douglas in February 1988 as Type MDX. The decision to develop was hit until a year later. The production variant was called MD 900 The first prototype was launched on 18 December 1992 for its first flight.

The first series helicopters launched on 3 August 1994 and received on 2 December 1994 its FAA certification. In the same month was the first delivery. In 1996 the European approval. The first machine of the improved type MD 902, which is equipped with more powerful engines, improved heating and an EFIS and night airworthy was, in May 1998 for delivery to Japan (first flight 1997). In January 2000, 57 -series machines were in use.

Meanwhile, an armed military version is offered as an MH -90 Enforcer.

Technology

Feature of this type is the tail rotor loose torque compensation after NOTARY principle. This makes it particularly suitable as a rescue helicopter, because the risk to persons eliminates the tail rotor in the rescue operation. The NOTAR system is realized by a fan driven by the engines, with thirteen leaves and 56 cm in diameter.

The cell and the five hingeless rotor blades are made largely of carbon fiber composites. The drive engines Turbomeca were initially planned, but this was later abandoned in favor of throttled, with a digital control system ( FADEC Full Authority Digital Engine Control) equipped Pratt & Whitney PW206A. When landing gear skid landing gear is employed.

Specifications

560025
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