PZL Kania

The Polish utility helicopter derived from a classic light design

Overview

PZL Świdnik Poland 1986–2006 $3.9 million

The PZL Kania is a light utility helicopter developed in Poland as an improved derivative of the Mil Mi-2. Designed for civil and government roles, it incorporated Western avionics and engine upgrades. The aircraft aimed to modernize a proven platform for export markets.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Rolls Royce Allison 250C20B
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 420 shp · 313 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
9
Crew
—
Cabin width
3 ft 7 in  ·  1.10 m
Cabin height
5 ft 4 in  ·  1.62 m
Cabin length
8 ft 6 in  ·  2.60 m
Exterior length
57 ft 4 in  ·  17.47 m
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 3 in  ·  1.30 m
Wing span
47 ft 7 in  ·  14.50 m
Baggage volume
14 ft³  ·  0.4 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
7,850 lb  ·  3,550 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
3,400 lb  ·  1,550 kg
Fuel capacity
270 gal · 1,000 L · 800 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
116 kt  ·  133 mph  ·  215 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
266 nm  ·  310 mi  ·  490 km
Fuel burn
1.72 nm/gal  ·  0.84 km/L
Ceiling
13,120 ft  ·  4,000 m
Rate of climb
1,722 ft/min  ·  9 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Polish Police PZL-Swidnik Kania

Operational Context

PZL Kania — upgraded light utility helicopter

The Kania program began in the late 1970s at PZL Świdnik as a modernization of the Mi-2, which had been produced under license in Poland. The first prototype flew in 1979. Designers incorporated updated avionics, refined aerodynamics, and Western-sourced engines to improve performance and reliability.

Powered by Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engines producing approximately 420 shaft horsepower each, the Kania cruises at about 115 knots (210 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 8,200 pounds (3,700 kg). The helicopter can carry up to eight passengers depending on configuration.

Despite technical improvements, production remained limited due to economic constraints and market competition. The Kania nevertheless demonstrated Polish efforts to expand domestic helicopter design capability. It remains a notable development in Poland’s rotary-wing history.