ZL W-3 Sokół is a Polish twin engine, all-weather attack helicopter. It was first introduced in 1981 and remains in service with the Polish Air Force. The Sokół has been exported to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan and Nigeria.

Manufacturer:
PZL Swidnik
Country:
Poland
Manufactured:
1986 to: 2015
ICAO:
W3
Price:
US$7 million
Avionics:
Engine:
2x 2 × WSKPZL Rzeszów PZL-10W turboshaft
Turboshaft
Power:
900 horsepower
Max Cruise Speed:
127 knots
235 Km/h
Approach Speed (Vref):
Travel range:
394 Nautical Miles
730 Kilometers
Fuel Economy:
1.01 nautical mile / gallon
0.494 kilometres / litre
Service Ceiling:
16,100 feet
Rate of Climb:
1675 feet / minute
8.51metre / second
Take Off Distance:
Landing Distance:
Max Take Off Weight:
6,400 Kg
14,109 lbs
Max Landing Weight:
Max Payload:
2,200 Kg
4,850 lbs
Fuel Tank Capacity:
454 gallon
1,719 litre
Baggage Volume:
Seats - Economy / General:
12 seats
Seats - Business Class:
0
Seats - First Class:
0
Cabin Height:
Cabin Width:
Cabin Length:
Exterior Length:
18.79 metre - 61.65 feet
Tail height:
5.14 metre - 16.86 feet
Fuselage Diameter:
Wing Span / Rotor Diameter:
15.7 metre - 51.51 feet
Wing Tips:
No Winglets

When Poland joined NATO in 1999 it became necessary for this aircraft to meet NATO standards, which led to upgrades being made from 2002 onwards. A new version of the Sokół is planned that will have increased capabilities including more range and speed, as well as an advanced sensor suite that would allow it to carry out combat missions at night or day/night conditions without relying on ground radar stations. These planned improvements are expected by 2020-2022 timeframe.

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All PZL Swidnik Aircraft

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