Introduction

In Poland, at the 7th Air Squadron of the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade, the delivery ceremony of the first AW-149 support helicopter from the Polish production line to the Army Aviation of the Land Forces was held.

Details of the Agreement

According to the agreement of July 1, 2022, for the delivery of 32 AW-149 transport and support helicopters, along with logistics and training/simulation packages, contractor PZL-Świdnik committed to creating a production line for AW-149 helicopters at the Świdnik plant.

The 7th Air Squadron has already received eleven AW-149 helicopters, including the first specimen produced at PZL-Świdnik under the agreement.

Capabilities of the AW-149 Helicopters

The AW-149 helicopters developed by Leonardo will carry out both troop transport and air support missions. The equipment they come with also allows the use of AW149s for evacuation, search and combat rescue (CSAR), and for the transport of goods and supplies.

The ordered AW-149s, configured to meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces, come with a variety of specialized systems that can be installed in the cabin or on external mounting points, depending on the intended use.

The configuration also includes observation systems, light weapons, guided/unguided rockets and missiles, and self-defense systems.

Engine Selection

Poland has chosen the CT7-2E1 turboshaft engine from General Electric (GE) Aerospace for its new fleet of Leonardo AW149 helicopters; this engine has several things in common with the CT7-8E engine that powers the AW101 of the Polish Navy and with the T700-701D engines equip the Black Hawks in service with the Polish Special Forces and the Warsaw National Police.

Source and photo credit @Agency of Armaments of the Polish National Defense Ministry