Are there any users the PZL W-3PL version of the Sokol or the Gluszec upgrade?

[adroth]

Are there any countries that use the W-3PL version of the Sokol helicopter, or the Gluszec upgrade of the basic W-3 Sokol?

Details of both below:

From: PZL W-3 Sokół - Scramble

W-3PL

Created as effect of "Głuszec" W-3 Sokół upgrade program. New Sokół has Multi-function display (MFD) based cockpit, engines with Full Authority Digital Electronics Control (FADEC), Head-up display (HUD), forward looking infrared (FLIR) imager, new defense systems (IR countermeasure and Chaff/Flare dispenser), all new electronic system are integrated around new Mission Computer, air conditioning and composite armor for pilots cabin, new weapons: 12,7mm WKM-B machinegun in moving turret (instead of fixed 23mm canon), new unguided rockets pods with 70mm rockets (compatible with Hydras), new ATGMs, new main rotor.

 

[adroth]

PZL Świdnik delivered four W-3 Sokół helicopters in multirole combat version

PZL Świdnik delivered four W-3 Sokół helicopters in multirole co

PZL-Swidnik, an AgustaWestland company, is pleased to announce that all of four W-3PL Gluszec helicopters, a multirole combat version of the W-3 Sokół, have been delivered to the Polish Land Forces.

PZL-Swidnik and the Polish Ministry of Defence first signed a research and development phase contract in 2003 for the production of a W-3PL (Głuszec) prototype aimed at the modernization of the existing Army’s helicopters. A second contract was signed in 2006 for the delivery of four in service helicopters upgraded to the W-3PL standard.

PZL-Swidnik and the Land Forces are now discussing on possible future cooperation in order to modernize additional W-3 helicopters upgrading them to the Gluszec standard.

< Edited >

The helicopter is equipped with a 4axis AFCS, engines with FADEC, and an NVG- compatible cockpit with MFDs. Navigation equipments include INS with GPS, Tacan, VOR/ILS, DME, digital map. All communication, navigation and weapon systems are fully integrated. The W-3PL Gluszec is also fitted with self-protection systems such as IFF, RWR, IR warning receiver, chaff and flare dispensers and features specifically armored seats, floor and doors in the cockpit.

< Edited >

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Polish Army receives upgraded helicopters

This is a revised version of a story that appeared online on 15 February 2011 The Polish Army has received its four upgraded PZL-Swidnik W-3PL Gluszec multi-role battlefield helicopters, parent company AgustaWestland announced on 11 February. The contract to upgrade the four Gluszecs (combat variants of the W-3 Sokol light utility helicopter) was signed in 2006

[first posted to Jane's Defence Weekly - Your first line of defence - 17 February 2011]