Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
IP rights would remain in Poland, and the platform could be fully tailored to the needs and requirements of the Polish Armed Forces. It could also be exported globally. The AW139 is a bestseller in the 7 tonne MTOW class, with more than 1,000 examples sold around the world, operated by 89 countries. The group of military users is growing, with the US DoD being one of the major customers - bound to procure 84 MH- 139 Grey Wolf helicopters, that are to be delivered in cooperation with the Boeing company. Should the Polish MOD decide to procure the AW139W, the deliveries could commence in 24 months once the agreement is concluded. The above refers to the base configuration, without any increase in the quantity of the domestic components. In the case of deliveries pertaining to configuration with Polish subsystems, the delivery deadline may be extended to around 36 months, from the date when the agreement is signed. Trying to meet the expectations, the representatives of the manufacturer declare that the Świdnik-based final assembly line could offer a capacity of delivering 8 to 10 AW139W helicopters per year. Series-manufactured multi-role Lockheed Martin S-70i Black Hawk destined for the Filipino Air Force was showcased in Kielce as well. The PZL- Mielec facility owned by Lockheed Martin was awarded a new order from a US-based customer, before the MSPO event. United Rotorcraft procured five S-70i Firehawk helicopters, that would be then delivered to SAR units. Furthermore, the PZL Mielec facility is still waiting for the results of the Romanian tendering procedure, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs hoping to procure 12 multi-role helicopters. The PZL Mielec was finally announced as a winner in November 2021. Furthermore, there is still a chance to sell another lot of S-70i Helicopters to the Philippines, with the support of the Polish Government. Unofficial information emerged in Kielce on continued Black Hawk procurement for the Polish SOF units. The Polish GROM unit currently operates four aircraft as such, that are undergoing modifications, as per the contracted standard. However, the demand for helicopters in the SOF component is much higher. Ultimately, a decision on procurement of another four aircraft was confirmed by Mariusz Błaszczak (Head of the Polish MoD), on September 29th. www.fragoutmag.com