MD Helicopters MD Explorer

The MD Helicopters MD Explorer is a light twin-engined utility helicopter designed and initially produced by the American rotorcraft specialist McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems. It was the company's first clean-sheet helicopter to incorporate the NOTAR system, which gave its tail a unique appearance as well as a quieter sound profile in contrast to a traditional tail rotor. Development of the helicopter was launched in 1989 under the MDX designation; McDonnell Douglas partnered with Hawker de Havilland of Australia to produce the composite airframes, and was the launch customer for Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW200 turboshaft engine. On 18 December 1992, the Explorer's maiden flight took place; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued certification for the type roughly two years later. Further development of the Explorer proceeded. During the late 1990s, the initial model, the MD 900, was joined by an improved successor, the MD 902. During the 2010s, a refresh of the Explorer led to the adoption of a glass cockpit and fully-digital avionics; a greater proportion of the manufacturing process was taken in-house around this time as well. The Explorer is currently produced by MD Helicopters.

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