Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1308154
1. Considering the context of the news reports on the doubtful na- ture of the possibility to operate the W-3 (Anakonda, Głuszec, Sokół) helicopters over a longer period, can Leonardo shed a light on its long-term plans made with regards to the future of this platform? It will be difficult, or actually impossible, to maintain a fleet of heli- copters built on the W-3 (Sokół) platform for a long time because, as is typical for the industry around the world, the manufacturer must cooperate with many subcontractors. Unfortunately, Sokół will not soon have the support of some Poland located suppliers. Thereby modernization of Sokol is unprofitable in the long run. We did our best to create the condition for carrying out the modernization program. The W-3 Next Gen is an example of our commitment and our conviction in the modernization project, but there are feasibility aspects which are self-evidently beyond us. The Polish army and other Polish institutional clients can get a new Polish helicopter on the proven AW139 platform on a similar price scale as the moderni- zed Sokół today. PZL-Świdnik is part of the long tradition of the "Aviation Valley" in so- uth-eastern Poland, which is why it can do more - not only exporting helicopters in pieces as a center of aviation structure excellence, it can produce complete helicopters that will fly out of plants within two years of starting the procedure of transfer the entire technology. We believe that this new Polish multi role helicopter is not only a solution but an opportunity for polish aviation industry, armed forces, economic development and jobs creation including highly specialized. Of course we remain fully available to respond to any Government's evaluation and decision, in case a Sokol fleet upgrade is instead chosen as a preferred option. 2. What could Leonardo offer, within the framework of the Perkoz program? First of all Leonardo is ready to start the entire production of heli- copters for "Perkoz" programme announced by MoD at PZL-Świdnik plants. FRAG OUT MAGAZINE INTERVIEW Perkoz and Kondor Programs www.fragoutmag.com