Under The Microscope: PZL Swidnik W-3A Sokol

Philippine Inspection, courtesy of Timawa.net

Overview: The PZL W-3A Sokol is a twin-engine medium utility helicopter that is manufactured by PZL Swidnik, a Polish company. It boasts an all weather capability, and a low parts count for cheaper operational and maintenance costs. With its twin-engine and integrated inlet particle separator, it features exceptional reliability as well as high damage tolerance in combat conditions, and beats the Bell 412, Sikorsky S-76, Westland Lynx, and ALH Dhruv in 5 critical areas, namely: maximum useful weight,  maximum range, maximum power, maximum continuous power, and maximum tow (4).

Inventory: 8 (to be delivered in November) (2)

Cost: $9 million (2010) (2)

Specifications: (1, 3)

Crew	2
Passengers	12
Propulsion	2 Turboshaft Engines
Engine Model	PZL-Rzeszow TWD-10W
Engine Power (each)	662 kW	880 shp
Speed	256 km/h
		159 mph
Service Ceiling	6.000 m	19.685 ft
Range	745 km	402 NM
		463 mi.
Empty Weight	3.300 kg	7.275 lbs
max. Takeoff Weight	6.100 kg	13.448 lbs
Rotor Blades (main/tail)	3-Apr	3-Apr
Main Rotor Diameter	15,70 m	51,5 ft
Tail Rotor Diameter	3,30 m	10,8 ft
Rotor Disc Area	193,6 m²	2084 ft²
Length (Fuselage)	14,21 m	46,6 ft
Length	18,50 m	60,7 ft
Height	4,10 m	13,5 ft
Weapons	*none
Instruments	Rockwell Collins Search Radar
	Bendix/King Radios and Intercom
	Tacan**
	GPS
	Radio Compass
	IFF***

Notes:
*Weapons to be locally installed by an unnamed US company. (2)
**Tacan is a ultra-high frequency navigation system.
*** IFF is a secondary radar.

Source:
(1) PZL Sokol Spec
(2) Internal Documents
(3) Sokol Versions
(4) Aeronet - Sokol Comparison