| PZL Kania | |
|---|---|
 PZL Kania of the Polish Police | |
| General information | |
| Type | Helicopter |
| Manufacturer | PZL-Świdnik |
| Primary user | Poland |
| Number built | 19 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1986–2006 |
| First flight | 3 June 1979 |
| Developed from | Mil Mi-2 |
The PZL Kania (Polish Kite , also marketed as Kitty Hawk) is a follow-up design to the Mil Mi-2 helicopter, developed in Poland by PZL-Świdnik.
In 1964, an agreement was signed between Poland and the Soviet Union assigning production of the Mil Mi-2 twin-engined light helicopter exclusively to the WSK PZL-Świdnik factory at Świdnik, Poland. [1]
Work on a significantly redesigned version of the Mi-2 started in 1977. [2] PZL decided to develop, in conjunction with the American aero-engine company Allison, a re-engined version for export for western markets, the Kania or Kitty Hawk. [1] The changes include a modified fuselage with more pointed nose, new engines (Allison Model 250-C20B turboshaft engines) each rated at 313 kW (420 hp), new composite rotor blades, and new western avionics. The first prototype, utilizing a modified Mi-2 airframe, was flown on 3 June 1979. [3] Two prototypes were made and two pre-series machines. Tests conducted during the early 1980s led to certification according to FAR-29, in February 1986. [2]
The prototype SP-SSC took part in the 5th Helicopter World Championships in Castle Ashby in 1986. [2] Production started that year in limited quantity, in the PZL Świdnik factory. The helicopter was intended to be a replacement of the Mi-2, more economical, comfortable and offering better performance, and it compared quite favourably with Western counterparts. It did not become popular, however, partly due to problems with certification and a weak promotion in Western countries, and reluctance to spend convertible currency for imported parts in Eastern Bloc countries in the 1980s. Only 19 were built until 2006, including prototypes. [4] It isn't currently offered by PZL-Świdnik. [5]
The main user is the Polish Border Guard, with 7 helicopters (not concurrently). The Polish Police used two helicopters. [4] Three Polish Kanias were employed in air service in Sierra Leone in 1987–1990. [6] In 2007, Świdnik offered 6 armed Kanias for Philippine Air Force, but lost in competition [7] (finally, after cancelling a procedure, PZL W-3 Sokół was chosen).[ citation needed ]
Cyprus 
Poland 
Slovakia Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89 [3]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
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