Long Island, NY, PD First for MD Explorers

Access to emergency medical services for trauma patients in eastern Long Island will become markedly better this summer when two MD 902 Explorers go into service with Yapank, NY-based Suffolk County PD. Paramedic services on the aircraft will be provided by Stony Brook University Hospital.

"We looked at the entire field of aircraft in this class," said SCPD deputy inspector Tom Aciero. "The MD Explorer was by far the best for our requirements," he said.

The Explorer is fitted with twin 621 hp PWC 206E turboshaft engines and a NOTAR anti-torque system that eliminates the potentially hazardous, exposed tail rotor. The aircraft cruises at 123 KTAS and it has a 302 mile range, enabling it to reach trauma centers on Long Island and in New England. SCPD's Explorers will be equipped with search lights, FLIR systems and moving map displays. When the aircraft are not being used for medevac missions, they will be available for law enforcement.

MD Explorers are manufactured by Mesa, AZ-based MDHI. The firm also builds the MD520N and -600N single-engine NOTAR helicopters.

Fred George