Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/958224
Mi-14PŁ A-1007 was chosen as the prototype. It was handed over to WZL-1 Łódź on 26 April 1999. Similarly to other helicopter of the 2nd series, it was completely modified by changing the anti-submarine equipment from Kalmar to Kryl-lot system. (contrary to the 1st series, which only received communication system, GPS Garmin 155XL, a modernized sonar OKA-2M/Z, and a hydrophone HTL-10). All helicopters were adopted to use Eurotorp MU 90 Im- pact torpedoes. During general overhauls, Mi-14PS un- derwent modifications of communication systms, IFF, GPS, VOR/TAC/DME similar to Mi-14PŁ from the 1st series. By the end of 2010, due to the expiry of service life of the airframes, all Mi-14PS helicopters were grounded and re- tired from service. Due to a lack of decision regarding the purchase of new naval helicopters and the need for ensur- ing continuity of sea rescue, two Mi-14PŁ were adopted for SAR operations. During the general overhaul at WZL-1 on A-1012 and A-1009, the ASW equipment was replaced with SAR one. This ncluded wide side doors and air-con- ditioning of the cargo compartment on the outside of the hull. An SŁP-350 winch with load capacity of 300 kg was also developed. The radio and navigation equipment were modernized as well. Helicopters called Mi-14PŁ/R were equipped with BURAN-A meteorological radars as well as DF430 radio compasses used to seek for shipwrecked sur- vivors. Thanks to those improvements, the final helicopter had features similar to the original Mi-14PS. Currently, due to expiry of the life service, all Mi-14PŁ he- licopters from the 1st series and one Mi-14PŁ/R were re- tired. The second and the last Mi-14PŁ/R will be dismissed in May 2018. Naval Aviation will be left without helicop- ters capable of rescuing a dozen of survivors, which in the case of a larger maritime catastrophe might significantly disrupt or prevent the rescue mission. The capabilities of ASW, protection of territorial waters and offshore pipe- lines have already been greatly affected. Naval Aviation is slowly becoming irrelevant. All we can do is hope that the process will be reversed and the trained crews and ground personnel will not leave upon the expiry of service life of the last Mi-14… More information on Polish Mi-14 can be found in the book titled "Mi-14PŁ/Mi-14PS/ Mi-14PŁ/R" which is a part of the series Polish Wings, No. 14 published by Stratus. Mi-14PŁ/R A-1012, Darłowo, 02.02.2012 – dynamic take-off during the winter. Mi-14PŁ and Mi-14PS were not based in hangars which does not have negative influence on their flight capabi- lities. The SLP-350 winch system with LPG-300 winch is clearly visible. The winch is the very same as in Mi-14PS, but the mounting assembly is com- pletely different one. www.fragoutmag.com