PZL Swidnik SW-4

The light helicopter developed as Poland’s modern training platform

Overview

PZL Świdnik Poland ICAO: PSW4 2002–Present $900,000

The PZL Świdnik SW-4 is a light single-engine helicopter developed for training and light utility roles. Designed in the 1990s, it represents one of Poland’s first fully indigenous helicopter programs. The aircraft serves both civilian and military operators.

Live Fleet Activity (PSW4)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Rolls Royce Allison 250-C20R/2
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
451 shp · 336 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
4 ft 8 in  ·  1.41 m
Cabin height
4 ft 2 in  ·  1.27 m
Cabin length
7 ft 0 in  ·  2.14 m
Exterior length
34 ft 8 in  ·  10.57 m
Tail height
10 ft 4 in  ·  3.14 m
Fuselage diameter
5 ft 3 in  ·  1.60 m
Wing span
29 ft 6 in  ·  9.00 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
3,950 lb  ·  1,800 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
1,650 lb  ·  750 kg
Fuel capacity
120 gal · 500 L · 400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
111 kt  ·  128 mph  ·  206 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
430 nm  ·  490 mi  ·  800 km
Fuel burn
3.95 nm/gal  ·  1.93 km/L
Ceiling
17,100 ft  ·  5,200 m
Rate of climb
2,030 ft/min  ·  10 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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SW-4 Puszczyk

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Operational Context

PZL Świdnik SW-4 — light single-engine training helicopter

The SW-4 program was launched in the 1990s as Poland sought to develop a modern light helicopter for domestic and export use. The prototype first flew in 1996, and the type entered service in the early 2000s. It was designed for pilot training, liaison, and light transport missions.

Powered by a Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20R turboshaft engine producing approximately 450 shaft horsepower, the SW-4 cruises at around 130 knots (240 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is about 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg). The helicopter features a conventional main rotor and tail rotor configuration with a modern glass cockpit in later variants.

The SW-4 has been adopted by the Polish armed forces and civilian operators. An unmanned derivative has also been developed for experimental purposes. The aircraft marks an important step in Poland’s independent helicopter manufacturing capability.