PZL- Swidnik and the Polish Ministry of Defence signed
a research and development phase contract in 2003 for
a prototype W-3PL (Gluszec) helicopter, a modernised version
of the Army’s existing helicopter. A second contract
was signed in 2006 to upgrade four in service helicopters
to W-3PL standard. PZL- Swidnik and the Polish Land Forces
are now discussing the possiblility to modernize additional
W-3 helicopters to the Gluszec standard.
The multi-role W-3PL Gluszec draws on knowledge gained
from the Polish Air Brigade’s experiences on combat
missions in Iraq. An in-depth modernization of all the
helicopter’s systems was implemented to enhance
its capabilities for a range of missions including troop
transport, combat search and rescue (CSAR) and armed attack
of ground targets.
