The Polish air force accepted its first SW-4 light helicopter from PZL Swidnik on 15 November under a 30-aircraft acquisition worth around $21-22.5 million. The aircraft will be delivered to the air force's training academy at Deblin next month, after the completion of qualification trials, and a second example will follow early next year. Final deliveries of the Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20R/2-powered aircraft are expected by 2009, says Brig Gen Ryszard Debski, the air force's commander of logistics.
To replace Poland's ageing Mil Mi-2s in the primary training role, the 1,800kg (3,970lb) SW-4 will initially be supplied with an IFR avionics suite, although a future requirement exists to upgrade the cockpit for VFR training and the use of night vision goggles.
Source: Flight International
