Polish Mi-14s get overhaul to extend service to 2007, but the debate about their replacement continues

Published: 8/11/1999

The aviation service of the Polish Navy is preparing to overhaul and upgrade its fleet of ageing Mi-14 helicopters, originally delivered in 1983, comprising 10 Mi-14PW antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and 3 Mi-14PSs search and rescue (SAR) helicopters. The fleet will undergo its third major overhaul at the Lodz Military Maintenance Works, which should extend its operational life until 2007-2012. The Mi-14PW will also undergo a heavy upgrade programme, which will involve the upgrading of the aircraft"s APM-60 towed MAD detectors as well as the aircraft"s sonar equipment. Five aircraft have already undergone the upgrade at the their home base at Darlowo, with the rest following during their overhaul. While the overhaul and upgrades remove the immediate need for the purchase of replacements for the Mi-14 fleet, this still needs to be addressed. A number of solutions are being examined, owing to the fact that the Sep and Alligator programmes, based on the PZL W-3 Sokol/Anakonda (search and rescue version), are unlikely to be adopted by the Polish Navy beyond the three already delivered , because of the availability of options from outside of Poland. The contract may also be associated with the navy"s requirement to find a helicopter capable of operating from their frigates, which was to have been provided by a development of the W-3 Sokol. Several foreign companies are currently endeavouring to persuade the Polish authorities of the attractiveness of their products, with Sikorsky offering the Sea Hawk and Kaman, the Sea Sprite. There is, however, a possibility that a heavier helicopter may replace the Mi-14s, with a take off weight in the range of 10 –12 tonnes. This could lead to the EH-101, NH-90 or the S-92 being involved in the bid, expected to take place in 2004. Additionally, the navy has been developing its fixed wing capability. It has acquired, from PZL Meilec, four additional An-28 Bryzas short range transport aircraft, and plans to fit them with the PIT SN-400 radar, for which a contract was recently signed. It has also been reported that the navy may take control of a squadron of Su-22s in a maritime strike role.

Article ID: 745