Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/958224
Mi-14PX, only allowed training of crews and maintaining of habits. Unfortunately, it was not capable of serving during actual rescue operations. That is why a decision was made in 1990 to purchase a used Mi-14PS no. 75137, which was delivered to Poland after the first general overhaul in the USSR. It was delivered through a flight on 12 November to the airport in Siemirowice, while all the necessary equip- ment was delivered on board of An-12 aircraft. Because of the short runway in Darłowo, the equipment was handed over at the airport in Siemirowice. What is interesting, the helicopter reached Poland without country markings. When used by Russians, the helicopter was equipped with FPP-7 headlights developed on sides of the hull in a config- uration typical for Mi-14PŁ. During the first general over- haul, the nooks of those lights where covered with dural patches, while the headlights were moved to the fairing developed in front of the crew compartment. WPF-3-600 headlights typical for Mi-14PS were not used – they were installed in Poland. In the front part, under each of the sponsons, two FPP-7 headlights were added in order to mitigate the lack of WPFs. A completely different type of IFF system (Parol) was installed in the helicopter. During the renovations works in Russia, the helicopter underwent modifications up to the standards used for the search of returning astronauts. The modifications did not include only the holes for additional windows under the cockpit. During the serivce, Polish Mi-14 helicopters were subject- ed to modifications in order to improve the ASW and SAR capabilities. Apart from the slight transformation of Mi-14PŁ into PX, described above, in the 1990s the helicopters were equipped with various types of GPS navigation systems and the RS-6106-7 radio. Mi-14 helicopters underwent the first major modification during the general overhauls at WZL-1 Łódź. The end of the 1990s forced the Polish Armed Forces to adapt the helicopters to NATO standards. That was the time of a two-stage modification of Mi-14s. The first stage involved replacement of communication systems, the IFF system, and addition of new navigation systems (GPS, VOR/ TACAN/ DME), as well as a modification of the OKA-2 sonar. The second stage focused on modernization of the ASW sys- tem, data link, the magnetometer, and adaptations to allow use of NATO torpedoes. Mi-14PŁ A-1003, Darłowo, 17.08.2004 – pre- paring for landing. The rotor blades are light gray-blue painted and during the use they are coated with the dirt, that's why the color is not solid. The side number was re-painted to navy blue. It was a pretty good choice as it is now clearly visible on the background of saturated camouflage paint. test. The shark's icon is microwave maintenance take-off for control flight. The control flights are necessary engine or steering. The killer whale in its final shape pain- KF wire antennas were never installed on this helicopter under the tail and over the cockpit). In the background the AVIATION