PZL-Świdnik announced that it has signed a contract with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uganda for the delivery of a GrandNew and a W-3A Sokol helicopter. These aircraft, which are to be delivered in 2015, will be operated by the Uganda Police to perform law enforcement missions across the nation.

The contract was awarded to PZL-Świdnik, following a rigorous evaluation process against the demanding requirements of the customer and includes a comprehensive training and support package.

The W-3A Sokol, a highly effective, rugged and reliable aircraft capable of operating in all types of climates and environmental conditions, will be equipped with a cargo hook, rescue hoist, search light, loudspeaker system, rappelling kit, FLIR and provisions for firefighting equipment and an emergency floatation system. The GrandNew, which will be assembled at the AgustaWestland plant in Vergiate, Italy, was chosen for its unparalleled performance and advanced technology providing superior mission capabilities and safety in adverse operating conditions. The aircraft will be equipped with a cargo hook, search light and loud speaker system.

This latest achievement continues the success of PZL-Świdnik and its parent company’s helicopters in the African commercial and parapublic markets to perform a wide range of missions including law enforcement, emergency medical services, VIP transport, offshore transport and harbour pilot shuttle.
PZL-Świdnik has also proven to be a very reliable partner in law enforcement sector in Poland, delivering cost-effective and efficient helicopter platforms. The Company also a long history of fruitful cooperation with the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs. The collaboration began in 1995 with the delivery of four PZL Kania helicopters to the Polish Police and the Polish Board Guard. To date, 18 helicopters produced by PZL-Świdnik are operated by the Polish uniformed services.
The W-3A Sokol is an intermediate twin engine helicopter with a maximum take-off weight of 6,400 kg and is capable of carrying up to 14 people, as well as cargo. The helicopter is powered by two PZL-10W turboshaft engines with each engine rated at 662 kW for take-off. The W-3A Sokol can perform a wide range of missions including law enforcement, passenger transport, troop transport, air ambulance, search and rescue, firefighting and other utility roles. More than 160 Sokols have already been sold to over 20 customers in more than 10 countries worldwide.

The GrandNew is the fastest and most advanced light twin in the market with state-of-the-art digital avionics for single/dual pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operation and a four-axis dual duplex digital autopilot coupled with a Flight Director. Orders for over 330 helicopters from the Grand series have been placed by nearly 210 customers in almost 40 countries worldwide, to perform many tasks including law enforcement, VIP/corporate and passenger transport, EMS, SAR, electronic newsgathering, harbour pilot shuttle, maritime patrol and water pollution monitoring.

Source: PZL Swidnik