PZL-Świdnik SA, an AgustaWestland company, has started development of the W-3PL/N multirole naval helicopter, further expanding its range...
PZL-Świdnik SA, an AgustaWestland company, has started development of the W-3PL/N multirole naval helicopter, further expanding its range of products for multiple maritime applications available through both AgustaWestland and PZL-Świdnik SA. Based on the W-3PL Głuszec multirole armed helicopter, the W-3PL/N represents a proven, cost/effective solution to meet a number of maritime mission requirements. Nicola Bianco, Managing Director of PZL-Świdnik SA, said “The launch of the W-3PL/N demonstrates our continued commitment to offering maritime operators across the world the greatest range of helicopters for the task.
This latest addition to the product range benefits fromour unrivalled expertise in the naval helicopter sector and builds upon the success of the Sokol platform.” A dedicated programme team based at the PZL-Świdnik SA headquarter in Swidnik is developing the W-3PL/N with the active support of AgustaWestland. The W-3PL/N development also leverages on experience gained from the W-3 Anaconda maritime SAR helicopter operated by the Polish Navy in the Baltic Sea.
The W-3PL/N will be fitted with mission equipment including a radar, compact sonics system (dipping sonar, sonobuoys), FLIR, rescue hoist and search light. The aircraft will also feature an emergency floatation system, an all new landing gear and main rotor blade folding system. Weapon systems will include air-to-surface missiles, torpedoes and machine guns. The W-3PL/N is perfectly suited to perform many maritime missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, naval tactical transport and target designation.
