W-3A SOKOL
The W-3A Sokol is a Polish twin-engine multipurpose helicopter designed mainly for military air ambulance and SAR. However, it is also used for transport, airborne missions or firefighting. In 2022, for example, it extinguished massive fires in Hřensko using special bambi bags with a capacity of up to 1,000 litres.
The first prototype flew in 1979 and serial production began in 1985. They have been in service with the Czech Army since 1996, when they were acquired from the Polish Army in exchange for MIG-29 fighters. The helicopter's construction concept is based on the Mil Mi-2 Hoplite, although the Sokol is larger and more durable.
In the Czech Air Force, the Sokols are equipped as follows: the seats are arranged three by three in four rows. The cabin is equipped with two side doors. The helicopter has modern avionic equipment, enabling its use in all weather conditions, day and night.
The base is located at Prague's Praha-Kbely Airport, where the 24th Transport Air Force Base is based and also provides air ambulance service in Pilsen at the airport in Líně. At LEGENDY NEBES will give a dynamic demonstration and show us rescue of people.
Pilot: to be added
Specifications:
| Characteristics: | Characteristics: | ||
| Manufacturer: | PZL-Świdnik | Powerplant: | 2x WSK-PZL Rzeszów TWD-10W |
| Crew: | 2 | Engine thrust: | 2x 671 kW / 900 hp |
| Main rotor diameter: | 15,2 m | Type of engine: | turboshaft |
| Length: | 14,21 m | Range: | 1 225 km |
| Height: | 5,14 m | Service Ceiling: | 4 650 m |
| Empty weight: | 3 300 kg | Cruising speed: | 235 km/h |
| Maximum Take-off weight: | 6 400 kg | Maximum speed: | 270 km/h |
| Number of passengers: | 12 | Rate of climb: | 9,1 m/s |
