Multi-purpose, medium, twin-engine helicopter in the classical system, semi-monocoque construction with duralumin, with the four-blade main rotor, fixed landing gear with front wheel. Constructed by Stanisław Kamieński, evolved from Mi-2 Kania, production of Polish PZL Swidnik.
History
Under an agreement between the Polish and the Soviet Union establishments WSK in collaboration with the design office Mila started work on a new helicopter to replace the Mi-4. It was to be enlarged version of the Mi-2, capable to carry 1000 – 1500 kg of cargo or 12 (13 with single-crew) passengers. Consultation on the Polish side with potential customers in the USSR made, however, that Poland has proposed an entirely new engine driven machine adapted TWD-10, which was to be produced in Poland as a PZL-10W. The idea was accepted, and in 1976 created a mock-up. The first prototype with a serial number 300101 was completed in 1978 and then held at the static tests on the ground.
Attempts to obtain a certificate for the new machine in USSR extended in time, prompting Swidnica factory to obtain such a document in Poland. Chief Inspectorate of Civil Aviation issued a temporary certificate of September 26, 1988 allowing proceed to series production. At the same time, work began on resuscitation and armed versions.
In years 2011-2014 the newest serie was produced (information valid for 2014) 5 helicopters in W-3P VIP version for 1 Base Air Transport in Warsaw.
Informacje ogólne
Produced in many variations, in more than 150 copies since 1985.
Used as transport, SAR, VIP. Operated by the military, Tatra Voluntary Rescue Service, Coast Guard, members of the government.
In July 2007, China signed an agreement for the assembly of helicopters in the newly built plant in special development zone of Jiangxi Province. The agreement for the submission of 150 pieces of different types to be provide in 2007-2014. The first helicopters were originally scheduled at the end of 2008.
Helicopters W3A Falcon served in military missions in Iraq. One of them was destroyed during the accident near Karbala in 2004
General characteristic
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 12 passengers or four stretcher cases and one attendant
- Payload: 2,100 kg (4,630 lb)
- Length: 14.21 m (46 ft 7½ in)
- Rotor diameter: 15.70 m (51 ft 6 in)
- Height: 5.14 m (16 ft 9½ in)
- Disc area: 193.6 m² (2,084 ft²)
- Empty weight: 3,850 kg (8,488 lb)
- Useful load: 2,550 kg (5,621 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 6,400 kg (14,110 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × WSKPZL Rzeszów PZL-10B turboshaft, 662 kW (900 shp) each
- Tanks capacity: 1,700 l
Performance
- Never exceed speed: 260 km/h
- Cruise speed: 238 km/h (129 knots, 148 mph)
- Range: 745 km (402 nmi, 463 mi)
- Service ceiling: 4,910 m (16,100 ft)
- Rate of climb: 9.3 m/s (1,831 ft/min)
Source: PZL Świdnik
