PZL SW-4

The PZL‑SW‑4 is a light, single‑engine helicopter developed by the Polish aerospace firm PZL‑Świdnik in the early 1990s. Designed to replace older Soviet‑type machines in both civilian and military roles, the prototype first flew on 16 September 1995 and entered series production in 1997. Powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2S turboshaft delivering 530 hp, the SW‑4 features a compact five‑bladed main rotor, a starboard‑mounted transmission, and a spacious cabin that accommodates up to five passengers or a pilot with two stretchers for medical evacuation. Its glass cockpit incorporates modern avionics, GPS navigation and a dual‑channel autopilot, while the airframe employs composite leading‑edge spars to reduce weight and increase durability. The helicopter’s relatively low operating costs, ease of maintenance, and ability to operate from unprepared fields have made it popular with police, fire‑fighting, and utility operators across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. Although production numbers remain modest, the SW‑4 demonstrates Poland’s capability to design and manufacture contemporary rotorcraft, reinforcing PZL‑Świdnik’s position in the global aviation market and supporting the nation’s strategic goal of indigenous aerospace development. The platform also serves as a testbed for future upgrades, including hybrid propulsion concepts and advanced sensor suites.

PZL-Świdnik

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