PZL Kania

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.

Work on a significantly redesigned version of the Mi-2 started in 1977. 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. The changes include a modified fuselage with more pointed nose, new engines (Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engines) each rated at 426 hp (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. Two prototypes were made and two pre-series machines. Tests conducted during the early 1980s led to certification according to FAR-29, in February 1986.

The prototype SP-SSC took part in the 5th Helicopter World Championships in Castle Ashby in 1986. A production started that year in small numbers, in the PZL Świdnik factory. 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. It isn't currently in PZL-Świdnik's offer anymore.

Main user is the Polish Border Guard, using 7 helicopters (not at one time). Polish Police uses two helicopters. Three Polish Kanias were employed in air service in Sierra Leone in 1987-1990. In 2007, Świdnik offered 6 armed Kanias for Philippine Air Force, but lost in competition (finally, after cancelling a procedure, PZL W-3 Sokół was chosen).

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 on board.

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 United States by Spitfire Helicopters but only a mock-up was built.

Operators

 Cyprus (2 in National Guard, from 1990)

 Czech Republic (4 from 1992 - former)

 Poland (some are in use in Policja and Straż Graniczna)

 Sierra Leone (3 from 1987-1990 - former)

 Slovakia (1 from 1994)

 Venezuela (1 in 1989-1996 - former)

Specifications

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988-89

General characteristics

Crew: One

Capacity: 9 passengers or 1,200 kg (2,645 lb) internal, 800 kg (1,763 lb) external cargo

Length: 12.03 m (39 ft 5½ in)

Rotor diameter: 14.56 m (47 ft 9¼ in)

Height: 3.75 m (12 ft 3½ in)

Disc area: 167 m² (1,792 ft²)

Empty weight: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)

Max. takeoff weight: 3,550 kg (7,826 lb)

Powerplant: 2 × Allison 250-C20B turboshafts, 313 kW (420shp) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 215 km/h (116 knots, 134 mph)

Cruise speed: 190 km/h (102 knots, 118 mph) (econ cruise)

Range: 493 km (266 nmi, 306 mi) (standard fuel, no reserves)

Ferry range: 863 km (466 nmi, 536 mi) (max fuel, no reserves)

Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,120 ft)

Hovering ceiling: 1,375 m (4,510 ft) out of ground effect

Rate of climb: 8.75 m/s (1,725 ft/min)