PZL W-3 Sokol

Summary

Category Military Helicopters
Origin country 🇵🇱 Poland
ManufacturerPZL
First flight16 November 1979
Year introduced1986
Number produced149 units

Technical specifications

Version: W-3A
Crew2 members
Operational range745 km (463 mi)
Maximum speed 260 km/h (162 mph)
Height5.1 m (16.9 ft)
Length14.2 m (46.6 ft)
Service ceiling4,910 m (16,109 ft)
Empty weight3,850 kg (8,488 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight6,400 kg (14,110 lbs)
Climb rate9.3 m/s (30.5 ft/s)
Powerplant2 x turboprops PZL-Rzeszów PZL-10W delivering 662 kW each

Current operating countries

Country Units
Poland Poland 61
Myanmar Myanmar 12
Czech Republic Czech Republic 10
Algeria Algeria 8

All operators

🇨🇿 Czech Republic • 🇩🇿 Algeria • 🇲🇲 Myanmar • 🇵🇱 Poland
Photo of W-3 Sokol
Profile drawing of PZL W-3 Sokol

Description

The PZL W-3 Sokół is a medium-sized, multipurpose military helicopter developed by the Polish aerospace company PZL-Świdnik. It was first introduced in the late 1970s as a modern and versatile transport helicopter primarily designed for military purposes. The development of the W-3 Sokół was driven by the necessity to replace older helicopters in the Polish Armed Forces, while also catering to national security requirements. Over time, it has gained recognition for its wide range of missions, including troop transport, search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and aerial reconnaissance. The PZL W-3 Sokół has been extensively deployed by both the Polish military and various international customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the W-3 Sokol?
The PZL W-3 Sokol is a military helicopters aircraft developed by PZL and entered service in 1986.
What is the maximum speed of the W-3 Sokol?
The PZL W-3 Sokol has a maximum speed of 260 km/h (161 mph).
What is the range of the W-3 Sokol?
The PZL W-3 Sokol has an operational range of 745 km (462 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
When did the W-3 Sokol first fly?
The PZL W-3 Sokol made its first flight on November 16, 1979. It entered operational service in 1986.
How many W-3 Sokol have been built?
Approximately 149 units of the PZL W-3 Sokol have been produced since it entered service in 1986.
Which countries operate the W-3 Sokol?
The PZL W-3 Sokol is operated by 4 countries with approximately 91 aircraft in active service. The largest operators include Poland, Myanmar, and Czech Republic.
What is the service ceiling of the W-3 Sokol?
The PZL W-3 Sokol has a service ceiling of 4,910 meters (16,108 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
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