Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
Poland is also an important problem, alongside the Kruk procurement program. Decisions tied to this project are to be made following fatigue tests and data analysis. WZL Nr 1 S.A. facility based in Łódź is to be the main entity responsible for the potential upgrades. Leonardo HH-139B multi-role helicopter was another highlight, premiered at MSPO 2021. The platform is to be operated by the Italian Air Force. The Kielce event marked the beginning of the AW139 Demo Tour in Poland - the aircraft was also presented in Świdnik and Warsaw. The underlying reason is the further promotion of the AW139W helicopters, expected to be manufactured at the WSK PZL Świdnik S.A. facility. The analysis of the requirements the Polish Armed Forces may have, and the capacity that Leonardo has, point to the fact that intermediary multi-role helicopters may become important. Poland may need up to 200-250 aircraft as such, with extra examples also being purchased by other domestic operators, such as the Border Guard, Police, or the Mountain Rescue service. Requirements for procurement as such may emerge during the upcoming 2 decades. This is directly related to the development of the potential of the Polish military, and the withdrawal of the currently operated aircraft, specifically the Mi-2 and W-3 helicopters. The concept presented by Świdnik assumes that AW139W may act as a complementary platform and replacement of the aforesaid fleets. It is an important element of the activities undertaken by the facility in Świdnik, as the Polish engineers were involved in the AW139's design, while the Świdnik facility manufactures and assembles all metal and composite components of the fuselage. The company claims that 70% of the AW139 helicopter is made in Poland. Apart from the fuselage, this also refers to most of the Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C engine components, produced at a facility in Rzeszów. AW139W, if proposed to the Polish MoD, or other ministries, could be manufactured in Poland in its entirety. This would lead to tightening of economic cooperation domestically, PGZ Group companies included. Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky S-70i Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk International Black Hawk International EXHIBITION