PZL Kania
| PZL Kania | |
|---|---|
| |
| PZL Kania of Polish Police | |
| Role | Helicopter |
| Manufacturer | PZL-Świdnik |
| First flight | 3 June 1979 |
| Primary user | Poland |
| Produced | 1986-2006 |
| Number built | 19 |
| Developed from | Mil Mi-2 |
The PZL Kania (Polish Kitty Hawk) is a follow-up to the Mil Mi-2 helicopter, developed by the PZL-Świdnik in Poland.
Design and development
In 1964, an agreement was signed between Poland and the Soviet Union assigning production of the Mil Mi-2 twin-engined light helicopter exclusively to the WSK PZL-Świdnik factory at Świdnik, Poland.[1]
Work on a significantly redesigned version of the Mi-2 started in 1977[2]. PZL decided to develop, in conjunction with the American aero-engine company Allison, a re-engined version for export for western markets, the Kania or Kitty Hawk.[3] The changes include a modified fuselage, new engines (Rolls-Royce Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engines) each rated at 426hp (313 kW), new composite rotors blades, and new western avionics. The first prototype, utilizing a modified Mi-2 airframe, was flown on 3 June 1979.[4] Tests conducted during the early 1980s led to certification according to FAR-29, in February 1986. The helicopter was produced in small numbers (also as an upgrade to the original Mi-2) in Poland, in the PZL Świdnik factory. It isn't currently in PZL-Świdnik's offer anymore[5].
The prototype SP-SSC took part in the 5th Helicopter World Championships in Castle Ashby in 1986[2]. A production started that year. The helicopter was to be a replacement of the Mi-2, more economical, comfortable and offering better performance, and it compared quite favourably with Western counterparts. It did not become popular, however, partly due to problems with certification and a weak promotion in Western countries, and reluctance to spend convertible currency for imported parts in Eastern Bloc countries in the 1980s. Only 19 were built until 2006, including prototypes[6]. Main user is a Polish Border Guard, using 7 helicopters (not at one time). Polish Police uses two helicopters[6]. Three Polish Kanias were employed in air service in Sierra Leone in 1987-1990[7].
Variants
- Passenger Standard
- Seats for pilot and 9 passengers, individual vents and lighting.
- Passenger Executive
- Seats for pilot and 5 passengers, luxury finishing, silenced cockpit, individual vents, lighting and audio system.
- Cargo
- Ability to carry external loads as a flying crane or to carry up to 1200 kg of load in the cabin.
- Medevac / Air ambulance
- Equipment and space for up to 4 stretchers or less with paramedic crew onboard.
- Agricultural
- Ability to carry up to 1000 kg of chemicals or agro loads (grains, seeds etc.) and ability to carry on one of following aerial application methods: LV spraying, ULV spraying, dustring and spreading (not built in series, only tested).
- Spitfire Taurus II or Super Kania
- American version of the PZL Kania, with redesigned fuselage and single Allison 250-C28 550 HP engine, with a big central air inlet, that was to be built under licence in the USA by Spitfire Helicopters [8] (only a mock-up built).
Operators
Cyprus (2 in National Guard, from 1990)[6]
Czech Republic (4 from 1992)[6]
Poland
Slovakia (1 from 1994)[6]
Venezuela (1 in 1989-1996)[6]
Specifications
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988-89 [9]
General characteristics
- Crew: One
- Capacity: 9 passengers or 1,200 kg (2,645 lb) internal, 800 kg (1,763 lb) external cargo
Performance
See also
Related development
References
- ^ Taylor 1982, p.169.
- ^ a b Miłosz Bogdański: Kania uczy się latać (Kania learns to fly) in: Aeroplan Nr. 5-6(80-81)/2009 Template:Pl icon
- ^ Taylor 1982, p.170.
- ^ Taylor 1988, p.188.
- ^ Official PZL-Swidnik page [retrieved 11-3-2011]
- ^ a b c d e f Lista produkcyjna śmigłowców Kania (Kania production list) in: Aeroplan Nr. 5-6(80-81)/2009 Template:Pl icon
- ^ Miłosz Bogdański: Kania w służbie (Kania in service) in: Aeroplan Nr. 5-6(80-81)/2009 Template:Pl icon
- ^ http://www.aviastar.org/helicopters_eng/pzl_kania.php
- ^ Taylor 1988, p.189.
- Taylor, John W R (ed). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982-83. London:Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. ISBN 0 7106-0748-2.
- Taylor, John W R (ed). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988-89. Coulsdon, UK:Jane's Defence Data, 1988. ISBN 0 7106-0867-5.
