PZL W-3 Sokół

The medium utility helicopter built for civil and military operations.

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Czech Air Force W-3 Sokol – © Lukasz Golowanow

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Overview

PZL Świdnik Poland ICAO: W3 1986–2015 Active $7 million

The PZL W-3 Sokół is a twin-engine helicopter developed in Poland during the 1970s. Designed for utility and transport missions, it entered service in the 1980s. The aircraft has served both civil and military operators.

Live Fleet Activity (W3)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × WSKPZL Rzeszów PZL-10W turboshaft
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 900 shp · 671 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
12
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
61 ft 8 in  ·  18.79 m
Tail height
16 ft 10 in  ·  5.14 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
51 ft 6 in  ·  15.70 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
14,100 lb  ·  6,400 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
4,850 lb  ·  2,200 kg
Fuel capacity
450 gal · 1,700 L · 1,400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
127 kt  ·  146 mph  ·  235 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
394 nm  ·  450 mi  ·  730 km
Fuel burn
1.01 nm/gal  ·  0.49 km/L
Ceiling
16,100 ft  ·  4,900 m
Rate of climb
1,675 ft/min  ·  9 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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PZL W-3A Sokol

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Operational Context

PZL W-3 Sokół — twin-engine utility helicopter

The W-3 first flew in 1979 and entered service in 1989. It was designed to replace older Soviet-era helicopters with a domestically produced alternative. The airframe supports transport, rescue, and specialized mission roles.

Two turboshaft engines producing approximately 900 shaft horsepower each power the helicopter. Cruise speed approaches 140 knots (259 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg).

The Sokół has been deployed in search and rescue, transport, and maritime roles. Modernized variants incorporate upgraded avionics and mission equipment. The aircraft remains a key component of Poland’s rotorcraft industry.