Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1064315
INTERVIEW Much has been written already on the W-3PL. What would you say about its design from the point of view of CSAR? Were your – users' – remarks taken into consideration when the second series was constructed? Is there room for further im- provements? Having flown this helicopter for almost a thousand hours and since I take part in training programs in several European coun- tries, I can say with full certainty that it's the most modern heli- copter our army has now at its disposal. The integrated avionic system combines communication, navigation linked with auto- pilot function, and a weapons suite coupled with a Toplite elec- tro-optical detection system and a HUD sight system. Getting several helicopters operationally ready to a mission can be han- dled by one person using an external mission planning station. It's enough to use a USB flash drive to transfer an entire mission plan to a couple of helicopters at the same time. The advantage is that we not only save time but also avoid mistakes thanks to the fact that all helicopters have the same mission, the same route, and the same communication plan loaded. A shot-down crew can be located using an RSC-125-G radio-locator, and the information between the crash survivors and the PRTF crew can be exchanged in the form of encrypted text messages sent us- ing Quick Draw, without the need to establish audio connection. The Toplite system, featur- ing IR observation function, makes it possible not only to locate crash survivors but also neutralize threats – thanks to the fact that it's compatible with WKM 12.7 mm. The system offers an open infrastructure, which means it can be developed and modi- fied in the area of weaponry and communica- tion. Many of our comments were taken into account when the second series of the helicopters was manu- factured, which made the system more functional. Also, the helicopters proved their value as part of reinforce- ment of the air defense system employed during the NATO sum- mit or the World Youth Day 2016. Of course, the helicopter has certain limitations imposed by the parameters of the W-3, which is its basis after all. Equipping it with arms and CSAR systems has affected its performance – and this is where we're counting on the manufacturer's improve- ments in that area. There's a big potential in replacing the blades of the rotor without the need to change the propulsion system. What's ahead of the squadron in the nearest future? What challenges will it have to face? There've been intensive works on the formation of a Polish Personnel Recovery System underway for several years now. We need a couple of elements to make it happen: procedures, management cells, a system of training for soldiers exposed to isolation, well-trained PR forces, and the right equipment for sol- diers to act in conflict areas. The system won't work and won't be effective in combat conditions if any of these elements is missing. It's impossible to create such a system in a short time. My squadron is the key element, acting not only as PR forces but also a unit responsible for the standardization of procedures ap- plied in exercises and training programs organized in our coun- try. Familiarity with recovery procedures may contribute greatly to the success of CSAR missions, minimizing the risk both we and the soldiers who need help are exposed to. Our plan is, of course, to keep on training and improving our skills both in Poland and abroad. We'd also like to have more W-3PLs at the 56th Air Base and to see Mi-24s substituted with a more modern combat helicopter as part of the KRUK program.