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

ZL W-3 Sokół is a Polish twin engine, all-weather attack helicopter. It was first introduced in 1981 and remains in service with the Polish Air Force. The Sokół has been exported to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan and Nigeria.

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Engine:
2× WSKPZL Rzeszów PZL-10W turboshaft
Engine type:
Turboshaft
Power:
2 × 900 shp  ·  671 kW
Wing Tips:
No winglets
Seats:
12
Exterior length:
61 ft 8 in · 18.79 m
Tail height:
16 ft 10 in · 5.14 m
Wing span / rotor:
51 ft 6 in · 15.70 m
Max takeoff weight:
14,100 lb  ·  6,400 kg
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
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  ·  m/s
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When Poland joined NATO in 1999 it became necessary for this aircraft to meet NATO standards, which led to upgrades being made from 2002 onwards. A new version of the Sokół is planned that will have increased capabilities including more range and speed, as well as an advanced sensor suite that would allow it to carry out combat missions at night or day/night conditions without relying on ground radar stations. These planned improvements are expected by 2020-2022 timeframe.

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