Press Release

Issued by Leonardo Helicopters.

December 10, 2014

PZL-Swidnik, an AgustaWestland company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with the Spanish company Hispánica de Aviación S.A (HASA) for three W-3A Sokol helicopters in fire-fighting configuration. The contract will also see PZL-Swidnik deliver an initial spare parts (ISP) package, ground support equipment (GSE) and a comprehensive training package.

These three new aircraft will add to HASA's existing helicopter fleet, which includes, among others, 26 helicopters produced by PZL-Swidnik, 13 of them from the Sokoł range. HASA, a leader in the aviation services market, performs fire-fighting, medical rescue and transport missions and has been cooperating with PZL-Swidnik since 2009.

The contract was signed during a ceremony held on 5th December at AgustaWestland's headquarters in Cascina Costa, Italy. Attending the ceremony were HASA's representatives, led by Miguel Porrero, ceo, and executives from AgustaWestland and PZL-Swidnik including Daniele Romiti, ceo, AgustaWestland and Mieczysław Majewski, president of PZL-Swidnik's management board.

The W-3A Sokoł helicopters, to be delivered to HASA in 2015, are capable of VFR/IFR operations and will be equipped with an external cargo hook, Bambi bucket installation for fire-fighting, external cargo container and provisions for a rescue hoist, emergency floatation system as well as a foam dispensing system.

The Sokoł has proven to be highly effective, reliable and rugged helicopter for fire-fighting missions. 
Twenty fire-fighting configured Sokoł helicopters are already being used by clients in Spain, Portugal and Chile. In total, PZL-Swidnik has produced almost 180 Sokoł helicopters.

The W-3A Sokoł is a twin engine helicopter with a maximum take-off weight of 6,400 kg that can carry up to 14 passengers as well as cargo. The helicopter is capable of operating in all climates and weather conditions, day or night. The Sokoł can perform a wide range of roles including passenger & vip transport, law enforcement, EMS/SAR and fire fighting. A multi-role combat support helicopter variant of the Sokoł, designated the W-3PL Głuszec, has also been developed and is in service with the Polish Armed Forces.