PZL W-3 Sokół

The PZL W-3 helicopter design employs a relatively conventional design and construction. It is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów-built PZL-10B turboshaft engines; the original powerplant, the PZL-10W, was based on the earlier PZL-10S – a licensed derivative of the Russian-designed Glushenkov TVD-10B turboprop engines which had powered the Polish-built Antonov An-28. Composites are used in the construction of the three-bladed tail and four-bladed main rotors. The rotors have a ice protection system and the helicopter is able to operate in environments between -40 and +43°C.{{additional citations needed|date=April 2025}}

The Sokół has been offered in a number of diverse variants and is capable of performing a typical range of helicopter missions, including passenger transport, VIP, cargo, EMS, medevac, firefighting and search and rescue. When used in maritime environments, the rotorcraft is typically outfitted with floats, a transponder, a global positioning system navigation system, night-vision equipment, and a Lucas winch.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/swidnik-wins-sokol-successes-24238/ "Swidnik wins Sokol successes."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914034941/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/swidnik-wins-sokol-successes-24238/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 13 September 1995.

File:Sokół NTW 9 93a.jpg

During 1973, work commenced upon what would become the W-3 Sokół at PZL Świdnik; design work was performed by an in-house team led by aeronautical engineer Stanisław Kamiński. A major influence on the design was the perceived demands from both military and civilian aviation across the Soviet Union, which was envisioned to serve as the major operator of the type. On 16 November 1979, the first five prototypes of Sokół conducted their maiden flights.{{cite book |author1= Gerard Frawley |author2= Jim Thorn|date=1998 |title=The International Directory of Military Aircraft 1998/99 |url= https://www.google.com/books/edition/International_Directory_of_Civilian_Airc/5JnDDWWJioQC |publisher=Aerospace Publications |page=172 |isbn= 9781875671328|access-date=April 18, 2025}}[https://www.google.com/books/edition/Jane_s_All_the_World_s_Aircraft_1999_200/YbtTAAAAMAAJ Jane's All the World's Aircraft]. (1999). UK: Jane's Information Group.

Low rate production of the Sokół commenced in 1985. The first ten production machines were designated W-3. These were ten machines (310201-310210), the first of which, designated SP-PSF, flew in 1987.{{cite book |author1= Rybak E. F.|author2=Jerzy Gruszczyński |date=2001 |title=Historia Zakładów PZL Świdnik S. A. |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Historia_Zak%C5%82ad%C3%B3w_PZL_%C5%9Awidnik_S_A/fdAhAQAAIAAJ |trans-title=History of PZL Świdnik S.A. |language=Polish |publisher=Lampart|oclc= 1424429960|isbn=|access-date=April 18, 2025}}{{rp|96}}

Attempts to obtain a certificate for the new aircraft in the Soviet Union were prolonged. Thanks to insistence of the Świdnica factory to obtain such document, the Chief Inspectorate of Civil Aviation issued a temporary certificate on September 26, 1988, which allowed for the continuation of serial production. At the same time, work began on a rescue variant, as well as an armed version.

The second series, consisting of 23 helicopters and 2 fuselages, which were to be used for further tests, was started by the W-3 of the State Radio Inspectorate. The SP-SUI (factory number 310301) built on its order had a special antenna mast lowered vertically down.{{rp|105}}

On March 17, 1990, the prototype W-3U Salamandra (factory number 360317) was flown, which was to be armed with Mars-2, B8-10, ZR-8 pods, and the 9M114 guided missile system from the Mil Mi-24W and the GSz-23L fixed cannon. The helicopter was tested, but the army was not interested in buying it. The helicopter was disarmed and converted into a transport machine and sold as such to Burma. Several years later, in cooperation with the South African arms company Denel, work was once again on an armed version. The SP-SUW helicopter (factory number 310318) transported to South Africa, and was installed with the Kentron company weapons, creating the W-3K, which was registered as ZU-AGU and tested until 1994. The same aircraft, which again flew in Poland as SP-SUW, was tested with French HOT-3/VIVIANE missiles in 1999.{{rp|98}}

The third series consisted of 19 helicopters and 1 fuselage intended for ground tests. Nine of them were purchased by Burma. The machine with the serial number 390411 remained in the factory, constituting the basis for the construction of the W-3RM prototype. A helicopter from this series with the serial number 330414 was sent to the 103rd Aviation Regiment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and after the reform it is used by the Border Guard as the SN-30XG (previously PL-30XG). In 1993, one of the machines in the W-3T version with the side number 0417 entered the equipment of the Polish Army. It was later reintroduced W-3RL.

{{Unreferenced section|date=April 2025}}

Following the democratization of Poland and the end of the Cold War, PZL-Świdnik opened up to the West, and in 1989, design work began on a new variant. Third series helicopter, with the serial number 310420, became the platform for the construction of the W-3A prototype, which made its maiden flight on July 30, 1992.

Following an intensive test program, type certification for the helicopter was received from aviation authorities in Poland, Russia, the United States and Germany. During May 1993, certification of the W-3A to standards was granted. The W-3A obtained an American certificate on May 31, 1993 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirming compliance with FAR Part 29 regulations. It was followed by the receipt of German certification during December of that year.

[https://www.google.fi/books/edition/Jane_s_All_the_World_s_Aircraft/VTRKAQAAIAAJ Jane's All the World's Aircraft]. (2006). UK: Sampson Low, Marston & Company.{{rp|421}}

Later, the machine flew as SP-PSK and then SP-SSK, after which it was sent to the 103rd Aviation Regiment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the n/b 420. It is currently in service with the Polish Police Aviation.{{rp|86, 101}}

The fourth series consisted of 20 helicopters. Some of them went to foreign recipients, the Saxony State Police received one W-3A (factory no. 370503), the South Korean companies Helikorea and Citi Air purchased W-3A (factory no. 370509) and W-3AM (factory no. 370514) respectively. In June 1996, the 100th Sokół was completed by the company.

In Poland, the army rebuilt one of the received Sokół (factory no. 310502) to W-3RL and transferred it to the Polish Mountain Rescue Service (GORP). The Navy received helicopters from this series factory no. 390505 and 390513 as W-3RM. Anaconda serial number 390510 was also given to 103rd PL MSW, where it received the n/b 510. It then became part of the equipment of the GROM Military Unit, where it received the n/b 0510, it crashed during exercises.

The W-3A machine serial number 370507 went to LPR as SP-SXZ. From 1995 it was used seasonally by TOPR, and from 2000 it was permanently stationed in Zakopane, but it was still in LPR colors. It was damaged during an emergency landing on January 29, 2003 in Murzasichle, after renovation as SP-SXW it went to TOPR already in its colors.

The SP-PSL helicopter (serial number 370508) became the basis for building the W-3A2 prototype, which was purchased by the Spanish company Helibravo. The W-3A SP-FSU (factory number 370515) was used for several years by the Polish branch of Daewoo, but due to the company's financial problems the helicopters were sold to the United Arab Emirates police. The remaining helicopters went mainly to the Polish army, among them were also the W-3W.

During the 1990s, PZL-Świdnik heavily pursued the development of an envisioned Huzar battlefield helicopter, which was to be based on the airframe of the W-3 Sokol and would have eventually involved the manufacture of 100 such attack helicopters under a tentative $350 million contract for the Polish Army. While the programme was initiated by the company, it was heavily afflicted by repeated setbacks and delays as PZL-Świdnik's financial state worsened as well as the firm often waiting for years for development funds to be issued by the Polish government with which it could formally launch the next phase of development. When a contract for the helicopter's avionics and weapon systems was awarded within a government memorandum of understanding (MoU) to an Israeli consortium, consisting of armaments manufacturer Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and defense electronics company Elbit Systems, making them the intended supplier for both the missiles and avionics for the helicopter.Jeziorski, Andrzej. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/take-your-partners-41513/ "Take your partners."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124839/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/take-your-partners-41513/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 2 September 1998.

During 1998, the Polish Council of Ministers issued its recommendation for the launch of a new tender in support of the envisioned Huzar. Specifically, the tender sought an avionics and weapons systems integrator for the new rotorcraft, potentially replacing the originally selected Israeli consortium due to alleged irregularities involved in the prior arrangement's awarding. American firm Boeing, who led their own bid involving in excess of 20 separate companies, represented Elbit's chief competitor for the integration contract; at one point, it appeared that political changes to the competition had made Boeing the favourite to win the contract.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/polish-recommendation-opens-huzars-avionics-door-fo-40590/ "Polish recommendation opens Huzar's avionics door for Boeing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124943/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/polish-recommendation-opens-huzars-avionics-door-fo-40590/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 12 August 1998. While Rafael's NT-D anti-tank missile was selected, this was subject to the successful completion of several test launches; if it failed, rival bids from Boeing for the AGM-114 Hellfire, British firm GEC-Marconi with the Brimstone and the Franko-German company Euromissile's HOT 3 missile. The Israeli Government resisted breaking up its consortium for a separate avionics integration contract, stated it would refuse to release the NT-D missile unless it was also awarded the avionics bid, but reportedly softened on this stance.

However, during mid-1999, the Polish government's plans for the Huzar helicopter were entirely abandoned, effectively ending development of the derivative immediately. In its place, a smaller fleet of W-3 Sokol, modified for the support role, was to be adopted in the short term instead. Invitations for bids for the upgrading of 50 rotorcraft, including the adoption of new rotor blades, more powerful engines, extra fuel tanks and additional armaments, was issued thereafter. At the time, Polish Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek stated that, for the long term requirement, a new tender for attack helicopter was to be issued by the end of June that year, and "we expect a decision in October or November"; the envisioned competition was to be contested by the Italian Agusta A129 Mangusta, the American Bell AH-1W/Z Super Cobra and Boeing AH-64 Apache, the European Eurocopter Tiger and South African Denel Rooivalk attack helicopters.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arms-makers-square-up-for-polish-bidding-war-51330/ "Arms makers square up for Polish bidding war."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124947/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/arms-makers-square-up-for-polish-bidding-war-51330/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 19 May 1999.Simon 2004, p. 92. Poland ultimately chose to pursue a relatively modest stopgap plan to upgrade its existing Mil Mi-24 fleet with Israeli-built equipment.Stewart, Penny.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mobile-manoeuvres-63743/ "Mobile manoeuvres."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914215538/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/mobile-manoeuvres-63743/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 28 March 2000.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/poland-studies-mi-24-upgrade-possibility-63507/ "Poland studies Mi-24 upgrade possibility."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220444/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/poland-studies-mi-24-upgrade-possibility-63507/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 21 March 2000.

During the early 2000s, PLZ Swidnik issued an offer for the upgrade of 12 Sokols previously operated by the Polish Air Force in the training role, converting them to perform the search and rescue mission instead; amongst the changes involved was the installation of Rockwell Collins-built ARC-210 transceivers and the adoption of new night-vision goggles (NVG)-compatible cockpits.Jaxa-Malakowski, Ryzsard. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sw-4-five-seater-goes-into-series-production-155569/ "SW-4 five-seater goes into series production."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915022939/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sw-4-five-seater-goes-into-series-production-155569/ |date=2017-09-15 }} Flight International, 1 October 2002. In 2006, this offer was met with a corresponding contract, which would ultimately led to the production of an improved model of the rotorcraft, designated as the W-3PL Gluszec; in addition to the above improvements, a new flight control system and upgraded powerplants featuring full authority digital engine control (FADEC) software, were adopted, along with various changes to the communication, navigation and self-protection systems. The variant, which had been developed partially based upon combat experience gained in Iraq, attracted the attention of the Polish land forces, leading to discussions on modernising additional W-3 helicopters to the Gluszec standard.Hoyle, Craig. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-poland-receives-upgraded-w-3pl-gluszec-he-353155/ "PICTURE: Poland receives upgraded W-3PL 'Gluszec' helicopters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220636/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-poland-receives-upgraded-w-3pl-gluszec-he-353155/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 14 February 2011. By January 2012, a follow-up order for another four Sokols re-built to the W-3PL configuration had been issued.Glowacki, Bartosz. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/warsaw-details-plans-for-military-helicopter-buy-366483/ "Warsaw details plans for military helicopter buy."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220101/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/warsaw-details-plans-for-military-helicopter-buy-366483/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 4 January 2012.

During the mid-2000s, it was reported that, as part of a wider proposed industrial partnership between PLZ Swidnik and Indonesian aircraft company Indonesian Aerospace (IAe), discussions on the potential outsourcing of manufacturing work on the Sokol helicopter, focused on the airframe and some of the subassemblies, were held; it was also stated that a wider licensing agreement in respect to the Sokol had already been ruled out as IAe were not prepared to accept responsibility for marketing and sales for the helicopter.Sobie, Brendan. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sokol-work-could-go-to-indonesia-179553/ "Sokol work could go to Indonesia."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220618/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sokol-work-could-go-to-indonesia-179553/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 30 March 2004.

Following Anglo-Italian helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland's acquisition of PZL Swidnik, the W-3 Sokol was incorporated into the new parent company's product line and has continued to be marketed and sold.Peruzzi, Luca. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-face-the-facts-with-agustawestlands-gi-344518/ "FARNBOROUGH: Face the facts with AgustaWestland's Giuseppe Orsi."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915023654/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-face-the-facts-with-agustawestlands-gi-344518/ |date=2017-09-15 }} Flight International, 20 July 2010.

The first civilian export customer for the W-3A variant of the type was Germany's Federal Police in Saxony.

During 1995, South Korean operator Citiair issued a firm order for the purchase of three transport-orientated W-3A Sokół helicopters. Citiair chose fit various additional equipment on the type, including floats, as two of them were to routinely travel to the island of Ulleungdo, roughly 180 km (110 miles) from the Korean mainland, while the third was to be operated in the nation's more mountainous regions. During the same year, Polish oil company Petrobaltic ordered a single W-3RM Anaconda maritime helicopter, while primarily designed for search and rescue (SAR) duties, it was used by the company for transporting personnel, supplies and equipment to its Baltic oil drilling platforms.

File:Een Tsjechische PZL W-3A Sokól helikopter 2138-007-021.jpg

The Polish military has been a key customer for the Sokol. During the mid-1990s, a 15-year modernisation plan called for the procurement of 90 transport-orientated Sokols, along with 100 Huzar battlefield helicopter (a later-cancelled derivative of the Sokol).Simon 2004, p. 67. During the mid-1990s, During early 1996, Poland exchanged a batch of 11 W-3 Sokółs with the neighbouring Czech Republic in exchange for 10 Mikoyan MiG-29. Maritime-orientated W-3RM Anaconda maritime helicopters were adopted by the Polish naval service, who used the type to perform the SAR role.Simon 2004, p. 85.

Since 2003, a batch of four W-3WA helicopters were used by the Independent Air Attack Group ({{langx|pl|Samodzielna Grupa Powietrzno-Szturmowa}}) of the Polish forces in Iraq in support of coalition operations in the region as a part of Poland's contribution to the Iraq War. In total, eight Polish helicopters were deployed to the region until 2008. during summer 2004, the type participated in the distribution of propaganda leaflets as part of wider efforts to undermine support for Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.Ripley 2010, p. 417. On 15 December 2004, one Sokol was lost due to an accidental crash-landing near Karbala, killing three personnel onboard and injuring three more.Glowacki, Bartosz. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/polish-military-continues-expeditionary-focus-342796/ "Polish military continues expeditionary focus."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914215651/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/polish-military-continues-expeditionary-focus-342796/ |date=2017-09-14 }} Flight International, 8 June 2010. On 18 July, 2006 another helicopter crashed at an air base in Al Diwaniyah, injuring 4 crew and 3 passengers.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna13910972#.Xt0E6EUzaUk|title=Car bomb in Kufa kills 53, injures 105|work=NBC News}}

Since January 2012, a force of five W-3 Sokol helicopters, along with six Mil Mi-8, have been furnished with a VIP configuration and stationed at Poland's 1st Air Transport Base following a major reshuffle of assets.Glowacki, Bartosz. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/poland-disbands-vip-transport-unit-366484/ "Poland disbands VIP transport unit."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915023055/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/poland-disbands-vip-transport-unit-366484/ |date=2017-09-15 }} Flight International, 4 January 2012.

{{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}}

Civil production versions.[http://lotniczapolska.pl/Smiglowce-produkowane-i/lub-konstruowane-w-Polsce-,128 Wersje W-3 Sokół.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314061153/http://lotniczapolska.pl/Smiglowce-produkowane-i/lub-konstruowane-w-Polsce-,128 |date=2013-03-14 }} lotniczapolska.pl[http://gdziewojsko.wordpress.com/listy/pzl-w-3/ PZL W-3 Sokół production list.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417000446/http://gdziewojsko.wordpress.com/listy/pzl-w-3/ |date=2014-04-17 }} gdziewojsko.wordpress.com

;W-3 Sokół

:Basic civil multi-purpose version, 30 built (excluding prototypes).

;W-3A Sokół

:Version with FAR-29 certificate. At least 9 civil helicopters built.

;W-3AS Sokół

:W-3 airframe converted to W-3A standard, 22 converted.

;W-3A2 Sokół

:Version with two-axis Smith SN 350 autopilot, one built.

;W-3AM Sokół

:Civil version with floats, 13 built.

;W-3 Erka

:Ambulance variant, one built in 1988

File:Sokół wersja W-3.jpg]]

File:Anakonda NTW 9 93 3a.jpg]]

Military production versions.{{r|lotniczapolska}}

;W-3 / W-3T / W-3P Sokół

:Basic (unarmed) transport/passenger variant used by Polish Air Force (6), Navy (2) and Myanmar Air Force (13, inc. two for VIP).{{r|list}}

;W-3A Sokół

:Military transport variant of the W-3A version used by Czech (11) and Philippine Air Force (8). Some of the Czech helicopters were modified for the emergency medical services. Filipino examples can carry M60 machine gun on each side.{{Cite web |url=http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/66961-All-PAF-W-3A-Sokols-operational.html |title=All PAF W-3A 'Sokols' operational - ZamboTimes |access-date=2013-06-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012041826/http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/news/66961-All-PAF-W-3A-Sokols-operational.html |archive-date=2014-10-12 |url-status=live }} Iraqi Air Force returned two VIP-configured Sokół to the intermediary company after cancelling the order.[http://www.altair.com.pl/magazines/article?article_id=183 Grzegorz Hołdanowicz: Raport WTO - 12/2006.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817192427/http://www.altair.com.pl/magazines/article?article_id=183 |date=2014-08-17 }} Altair

;W-3P/S/A VIP Sokół

:VIP transport version used by Polish Air Force. Eight built.{{r|list}}[http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=9571 Sokół W-3WA VIP po oblocie.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919180313/http://www.altair.com.pl/news/view?news_id=9571 |date=2013-09-19 }} Altair

;W-3W/WA Sokół

:Armed version, with twin 23 mm GSz-23Ł cannon and four pylons for weapons used by Polish Land Forces. W-3WA is a variant with FAR-29 certificate. 34 built.{{r|list}}

;W-3AE Sokół

:Medical evacuation version used by Polish Land Forces (AE for "Aero Ewakuacja"). Three W-3WA upgraded.{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pzl-swidnik-to-modernise-polish-army-w-3s-384735/|title=PZL-Swidnik to modernise Polish army W-3s|date=17 April 2013|access-date=17 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420055622/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pzl-swidnik-to-modernise-polish-army-w-3s-384735/|archive-date=20 April 2013|url-status=live}}

;W-3R Sokół

:Medical evacuation version used by Polish Air Force. Two built.{{r|list}}

;W-3RL Sokół

:Land search and rescue version used by Polish Air Force. Six built.{{r|list}}

;W-3RM Anakonda

:"Anakonda" (en: "Anaconda") Navalized search and rescue version used by Polish Navy. One prototype and eight production aircraft built from 1991 to 2002.Fiszer and Gruszcyński 2021, p. 42.

;W-3WARM Anakonda

: Modernised search and rescue helicopter for Polish Navy, with upgraded and standardised equipment. Eight helicopters (two W-3 and six W-3RM) upgraded, re-entering service from 2017 to 2020.Fiszer and Gruszcyński 2021, p. 43.

;W-3PSOT / W-3PPD Gipsówka

:"Gipsówka" (en: "Gypsophila") W-3PPD was a flying command centre variant (PPD stands for "Powietrzny Punkt Dowodzenia" – "Airborne Command Post"). In 2006 this variant received new digital battlefield (after modernization helicopter is able to guide artillery equipped with Topaz fire control system) and observation systems and was adopted by Polish Land Forces Aviation under new name W-3PSOT (PSOT stands for "Powietrzne Stanowisko Obserwacji Terenu" – "Airborne Observation Post"). This variant is equipped with pylons for weapons (same like in W-3W) but has no 23 mm fixed cannon. One built.

;W-3RR Procjon

:"Procjon" (en: "Procyon") is a radioelectronic reconnaissance version (RR stands for "Rozpoznanie Radioelektroniczne" – "Radioelectronic Reconnaissance"). Three built.{{r|list}}

;W-3PL Głuszec

:"Głuszec" (en: "Capercaillie") is a PZL W-3WA upgrade program to bring armed variant of Sokół up to 21st century standards by including advanced avionic systems (in Glass cockpit configuration) and other changes like FADEC-equipped engines. Avionics include two 10″ MFD displays, single tactical display (maps and Elbit Toplite FLIR), INS/GPS, TACAN, VOR/ILS, DME navigation, HUD, IFF, PNL-3 night vision goggles, HOCAS (Hands on Collective and Stick) control, infrared and radar warning receiver, MIL-STD-1553B data link.[http://www.altair.com.pl/mspo-report/view?article_id=5 e-RAPORT MSPO 0/2007.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126110306/http://www.altair.com.pl/mspo-report/view?article_id=5 |date=2016-01-26 }} Altair Twin 23 mm cannon was replaced by single pilot's controlled 12,7 mm WKM-Bz machine gun with 350 rounds. Designed for Combat Search and Rescue duties.[http://www.zoom.mon.gov.pl/galerie/w-3pl-gluszec-w-roli-glownej/ W-3PL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725003003/http://www.zoom.mon.gov.pl/galerie/w-3pl-gluszec-w-roli-glownej/ |date=2013-07-25 }} mon.gov.pl The first prototype (s/n: 360901) was tested by the Land Forces aviation in 2009. Eight W-3WA are to be upgraded.{{r|list}}[http://www.pzl.swidnik.pl/en/pzl-swidnik-signs-contracts-for-five-new-helicopters-and-14-helicopter-upgrades-with-the-polish-ministry-of-national-defence/0,-cn,1 PZL-Świdnik Signs Contracts For Five New Helicopters and 14 Helicopter Upgrades With The Polish Ministry of National Defence.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128134017/http://www.pzl.swidnik.pl/en/pzl-swidnik-signs-contracts-for-five-new-helicopters-and-14-helicopter-upgrades-with-the-polish-ministry-of-national-defence/0,-cn,1 |date=2012-01-28 }} pzl.swidnik.pl

Prototypes and proposals that were not adopted by armed forces.{{r|lotniczapolska}}

;W-3B Jastrząb

:Proposed armed version with tandem-seat cabin and guided AT rockets.

;W-3K/W-3WB Huzar

:Proposed armed version with guided ZT3 Ingwe ATGM, FLIR and 20 mm GA-1 cannon with helmet-mounted sight. Modification by Kentron (Denel) company in 1993 tested in South Africa. Some elements like hardpoint were used in serial W-3W/W-3WA variant. One built.

;W-3L Sokół Long

:Proposed stretched version seating up to 14 passengers, mockup only.

;W-3MS/W-3WS Sokół

:Proposed gunship version.

;W-3U Salamandra

:Armed version, with avionics and armament from Mi-24W. Only one built, later converted into transport variant and sold to Myanmar.

;W-3U-1 Aligator

:Proposed anti-submarine version.

;W-3PL/N

:Proposed navalised version of W-3PL with folding rotor, radar, dipping sonar, air-to-surface missiles and torpedoes.{{cite web|url=http://www.pzl.swidnik.pl/pzl-swidnik-sa-starts-development-of-the-w-3pln-naval-helicopter/0,-f6,1|title=PZL-Świdnik SA Starts Development of the W-3PL/N Naval Helicopte|website=www.pzl.swidnik.pl|access-date=2013-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305035400/http://pzl.swidnik.pl/pzl-swidnik-sa-starts-development-of-the-w-3pln-naval-helicopter/0,-f6,1|archive-date=2016-03-05|url-status=live}}

File:Czech Air Force W-3 Sokół (cropped).jpg PZL W-3A search and rescue helicopter]]

File:PAF W-3A Sokol (cropped).jpg W-3A Sokol on combat helicopter paint scheme before all units were transferred to search and rescue role.]]

;{{ALG}}

• Algerian Air Force- 8 Units. {{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |title= World Air Forces 2025 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2024}}

;{{CHI}}

• Corporación Nacional Forestal{{cite web |url= http://www.aviaciontotal.cl/2011/03/conaf-enajenara-helicoptero-sw-3a-sokol/ |title= CONAF ENAJENARÁ HELICOPTERO SW-3A SOKOL |publisher= aviaciontotal.cl |access-date= 26 February 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140228163203/http://www.aviaciontotal.cl/2011/03/conaf-enajenara-helicoptero-sw-3a-sokol/ |archive-date= 28 February 2014 }}{{cite web |url= http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-101/?p=3295 |title= Aviación ejecutiva llega a su madurez en FIDAE 2012 |publisher= gacetaeronautica.com |access-date= 26 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130623121332/http://www.gacetaeronautica.com/gaceta/wp-101/?p=3295 |archive-date= 23 June 2013 |url-status= live }}

;{{CZE}}

• Czech Air Force- 10 Units {{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |title= World Air Forces 2025 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2024}}

;{{MYA}}

• Myanmar Air Force - 12 Units. {{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |title= World Air Forces 2025 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2024}}

;{{PHI}}

• Philippine Air Force - 5 Units out of 8 delivered.{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |title= World Air Forces 2025 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2024}}

;{{POL}}

• Polish Air Force -15 Units {{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |title= World Air Forces 2025 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2024}}
• Polish Border Guard[http://www.altair.com.pl/mspo-report/view?article_id=293 e-RAPORT MSPO 1/2011.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527213858/http://www.altair.com.pl/mspo-report/view?article_id=293 |date=2013-05-27 }} Altair
• Polish Land Forces- 38 Units. {{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |title= World Air Forces 2025 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2024}}
• Polish Navy- 8 Units. {{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507 |title= World Air Forces 2025 |publisher= Flightglobal Insight |year= 2024 |access-date= 12 December 2024}}
• Polish Police{{cite web|url=http://www.policja.pl/portal/pol/141/47520/Lotnictwo_w_Policji.html|title=Lotnictwo w Policji|access-date=2013-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130410020736/http://www.policja.pl/portal/pol/141/47520/Lotnictwo_w_Policji.html|archive-date=2013-04-10|url-status=live}}
• Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue{{cite web |title=PZL Świdnik partnerem FUNDACJI TOPR - Fundacja Ratownictwa Tatrzańskiego TOPR |url=https://fundacja.topr.pl/pzl-swidnik/ |website=fundacja.topr.pl |access-date=29 April 2023}}

;{{flag|South Korea}}

• Fire Department of Choong Nam

;{{UGA}}

• Uganda National Police (1 on order){{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35475:uganda-orders-w-3a-a109-helicopters-&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107|title=Uganda Orders W-3A, A109 Helicopters|date=15 July 2014|access-date=16 July 2014|publisher=DefenceWeb.Co.Za (DefenceWeb)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140723233027/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35475:uganda-orders-w-3a-a109-helicopters-&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107|archive-date=23 July 2014|url-status=live}}

;{{flag|Germany}}

• Landespolizei{{cite web|url=http://www.helicopter-database.de/w3_search.php?type=99999®=&cn=&batch=99999&operator=338&category=99999&sortby=99999|title=Helicopter-DataBase - PZL W-3|first=Thomas|last=Girke|website=www.helicopter-database.de|access-date=2017-09-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920044449/http://www.helicopter-database.de/w3_search.php?type=99999®=&cn=&batch=99999&operator=338&category=99999&sortby=99999|archive-date=2017-09-20|url-status=live}}

;{{flag|Portugal}}

• Helibravo Aviação{{cite magazine |last1=Sałata|first1=Dariusz|last2=Sałata|first2=Krzysztof|last3=Wrona |first3=Andrzej|year= 2004|title= Użytkownicy śmigłowców W-3|trans-title=W-3 helicopter users |magazine= Aeroplan|language=pl |publisher= Agencja Lotnicza Altair|issue=5-6/2004 (50/51) |pages=17–33 | issn=1232-8839}}

;{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}

• Police of Ras Al-Khaimah

;{{ESP}}

• Helibravo a W-3A2 (serial number 370508) and a W-3AM (370705).{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
• Hispánica de Aviación owns 9 aircraft: 5 W-3AS, 3 W-3AM and a W-3A.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
• Xunta de Galicia for firefighting operations.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}

{{Aircraft specs

|ref= Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004,Jackson 2003, pp. 340–342. PZL-Świdnik[http://www.pzl.swidnik.pl/en/w-3a/0,-l,15#technicaldata W-3A technical data.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702191957/http://www.pzl.swidnik.pl/en/w-3a/0,-l,15#technicaldata |date=2013-07-02 }} pzl.swidnik.pl

|prime units?=met

|crew= 2

|capacity= 12 passengers or four stretcher cases and one attendant / {{cvt|2100|kg|0}} payload

|length m=14.21

|length note=fuselage

|height m=5.14

|height note=

|empty weight kg=3850

|empty weight note=

|gross weight kg=

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight kg=6400

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|more general=

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name=Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów PZL-10B

|eng1 type=turboshaft engines

|eng1 kw=671

|eng1 note=

|rot number=1

|rot dia m=15.7

|rot area sqm=193.6

|rot area note=NACA 23012M{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}

|max speed kmh=

|max speed note=

|cruise speed kmh=238

|cruise speed note=

|never exceed speed kmh=260

|never exceed speed note=

|range km=745

|range note=

|combat range km=

|combat range note=

|ferry range km=1224

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling m=4910

|ceiling note=

|g limits=

|roll rate=

|climb rate ms=9.3

|climb rate note=

|time to altitude=

|disk loading kg/m2=

|disk loading note=

|fuel consumption kg/km=

|power/mass=

|more performance=

|armament=

|guns=

|bombs=

|rockets=

|missiles=

|hardpoints=

|hardpoint capacity=

|hardpoint rockets=

|hardpoint missiles=

|hardpoint bombs=

|hardpoint other=

|avionics=

}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

• PZL Kania

|related=

|similar aircraft=

• Bell 212
• Kazan Ansat

|lists=

}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin}}

• Fiszer, Michał and Gruszczyński, Jerzy. "Anakonda snakes into service". Air International, March 2021, Volume 100, Issue 3. pp. 42–43. {{ISSN|0306-5634}}.
• Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Information Group, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7106-2537-5}}.
• Ripley, Tim. Middle East Air Power in the 21st Century. Casemate Publishers, 2010. {{ISBN|1-8488-4099-3}}.
• Simon, Jeffery. Poland and NATO: A Study in Civil-military Relations. Rowman & Littlefield, 2004. {{ISBN|0-7425-2994-0}}.

{{refend}}

{{commons|PZL W-3 Sokół}}

• [http://www.pzl.swidnik.pl/en/ PZL Świdnik Web Site]
• [http://militarypedia.corran.pl/wiki/PZL_W-3_Sok%C3%B3%C5%82_w_Wojsku_Polskim List of all W-3 helicopters used by Polish Air Force]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110719040048/http://www.helicopter-database.de/w3.php PZL W-3 Production List]
• [http://www.helicopter-database.de/w3_varianten.php PZL W-3 Variant Briefing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330144250/http://www.helicopter-database.de/w3_varianten.php |date=2009-03-30 }}
• [http://www.helicopter-database.de/w3_programhistory.php PZL W-3 Program History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821200032/http://www.helicopter-database.de/w3_programhistory.php |date=2009-08-21 }}
• [http://www.helicopter-database.de/photo.php PZL W-3 Photo Gallery]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090226173731/http://www.plastikowe.pl/galerie/pzl-w-3ae-sokol PZL W-3AE Sokół gallery at Plastikowe.pl magazine]
• [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/w-3-sokol-multi-purpose-combat-helicopter/ W-3 Sokol Images and Information]

{{PZL aircraft}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:PZL W-3 Sokol}}

Category:1980s Polish military aircraft

Category:1970s Polish helicopters

Category:1980s Polish civil aircraft

Category:Science and technology in Poland

W-3

Category:Military helicopters

Category:Twin-turbine helicopters

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1979