MD 902 Explorer Yorkshire Air Ambulance

General Product Description

Our MyMahoganyModel MD 902 Explorer Yorkshire Air Ambulance exhibits unique, unrivaled quality and detailed design to come as close as possible to the accuracy of the actual aircraft. It comes as standard with a robust, durable base or stand which is available in a variety of different finishes designed to match your own personal requirements including solid wood, wood with polished metal supports or adjustable wood wall mount and will be ready within about 9-10 weeks from placement of order.

The MD 902 Explorer Yorkshire Air Ambulance is made of the finest kiln dried renewable mahogany wood (commonly known as Lauan or Meranti) which has undergone many stages of carving and meticulous and careful sanding giving the beautiful, finished museum quality masterpiece. Many collectors and model connoisseurs demonstrate their preference for genuine handmade and hand painted mahogany wood models rather than plastic or die cast (diecast) alternatives due to the overall look and totally different feel of the item - we trust you will find the same. We can however, if required produce the same model in Solid Cast Resin so just click and contact us for further information. Our craftsmen and gifted artisans ensure that our finely handcrafted model airplanes match the precise blueprint details of the original aircraft. The paint scheme, markings and parts are closely matched, reflecting the original aircraft. This stylish top-quality desktop replica model will surely enthrall anyone who receives this as a gift and for sure one of the most appropriate and desirably collectable gifts for any aviation enthusiast and avid helicopter model collector whilst also displaying a perfect resemblance to the actual real life heli.

If you require, we can also make the MD 902 Explorer Yorkshire Air Ambulance in any other airline, private livery or colour scheme you require and if necessary, in a different size or scale. Just click here to contact us with a description or photographs of what you require, and we will let you have a quotation for the necessary customization by return email. We can also make bespoke scale replicas of any other private / civil commercial airliner or airliners, helicopter, glider, gliders with engines, military jet, warplane jets, propeller warplanes, biplane, triplane, tail fin, spacecraft, rocket or NASA model you require in any airline, military or civilian livery or colors. We also produce model airships, blimp, dirigible, blimps, boat and ship collectibles. Wall plaque or seal for military, government or private customers. Again, by clicking here to contact us just let us know exactly what you need.

The MD 902 Explorer and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance: A Life-Saving Partnership

The MD 902 Explorer has become a vital asset in the operations of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), a UK-based charity that provides rapid response emergency medical services across Yorkshire and surrounding regions. As a twin-engine, light utility helicopter with exceptional safety features and versatility, the MD 902 has proven itself as a highly capable air ambulance platform.

For many years, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relied on the MD 902 to deliver critical care and transportation in both urban and remote settings, responding to thousands of emergencies and helping to save countless lives.

About the MD 902 Explorer

Manufactured by MD Helicopters, the MD 902 Explorer is a twin-engine light utility helicopter designed for civil, law enforcement, and emergency service operations. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW207E engines and is best known for its unique NOTAR (No Tail Rotor) system, which eliminates the traditional tail rotor and instead uses air circulation to provide directional control.

This innovative design reduces noise levels, increases safety around ground personnel, and improves maneuverability in tight spaces—features that are highly advantageous in emergency medical scenarios.

Key capabilities of the MD 902 include:

• A spacious cabin with room for medical crews and a patient on a stretcher

• High cruising speed and operational range for rapid response

• Enhanced safety systems, including the NOTAR configuration and redundant avionics

• Smooth and stable flight characteristics, allowing critical care to begin en route

These qualities made the MD 902 particularly suitable for air ambulance services operating in complex environments such as city centers, mountainous terrain, or rural roads.

Role with Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Yorkshire Air Ambulance began operating MD 902 Explorers in the early 2000s, marking a significant upgrade in its fleet capabilities. The helicopters were typically based at key locations including Nostell Priory near Wakefield and RAF Topcliffe in North Yorkshire. This strategic positioning allowed for rapid response times throughout Yorkshire’s varied geography.

With the MD 902, the air ambulance teams were able to reach patients within minutes, providing advanced trauma care at the scene and transporting them to major trauma centers far more quickly than would be possible by road. The aircraft’s compact size and maneuverability meant it could land in tight spaces such as roadsides, school fields, or urban parks.

Over the years, Yorkshire Air Ambulance crews aboard the MD 902 responded to thousands of incidents, including road traffic collisions, industrial accidents, sports injuries, and medical emergencies in remote or difficult-to-access locations.

Fleet Modernization and Transition

While the MD 902 served the charity with distinction for many years, technological advancements and operational demands eventually led to a fleet upgrade. By the late 2010s, Yorkshire Air Ambulance began transitioning to newer Airbus H145 helicopters. These aircraft offered increased payload, more advanced avionics, and enhanced capabilities for night flying and extended operations.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the MD 902 within the Yorkshire Air Ambulance remains significant. It helped define the charity’s reputation for excellence, reliability, and rapid emergency care delivery. The aircraft were known not only for their performance but also for their distinctive yellow livery, making them a familiar and reassuring sight in the skies over Yorkshire.

Conclusion

The MD 902 Explorer played a transformative role in the development and effectiveness of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service. With its advanced safety features, agile handling, and spacious medical cabin, it provided an ideal platform for emergency care in diverse conditions. Though no longer in active service with YAA, the MD 902’s contribution to life-saving missions across the region stands as a lasting testament to the impact of helicopter emergency medical services.