The Warsaw Institute of Technology of the Air Force (ITWL) has demonstrated a version of the modernization of the cockpit for the Mi-24 attack helicopter and the Mi-8/17 multipurpose helicopter, which it has developed.
The Mi-24PL package is based on a modernization project developed for the W-3 Glushets combat support helicopter in cooperation with PZL Svidnik (a division of Agusta / Westland) under a contract with the Polish Ministry of National Defense, Janes Defense Weekly reports..
For the new Mi-24PL package, an onboard mission planning system and an integrated avionics system (Zintegrowany System Awioniczny - ZSA), consisting of navigation and communication systems (ZSL) systems developed by ITWL and installed on Glushets helicopters, have been proposed.
The package includes a cockpit 4000 display in the pilot's seat from CMC Electronics. The weapons systems operator will also be provided with a data display system.
ITWL also showcased a proposal to upgrade the Mi-8/17 cockpit. In particular, it is planned to equip the vehicles with automated navigation equipment that ensures search and rescue operations in combat conditions (CSAR). The helicopters are planned to be equipped with Link-16 data exchange systems.
Most of the systems developed for the Glushets project are currently certified for use by the Polish Army, with the exception of Link-16. The Sokol helicopters, which have been upgraded to the Glushets version, are also equipped with the Raphael Toplight electron-optical turret surveillance system. The first four vehicles of this type are ready for delivery to the 56th Combat Helicopter Regiment, which will include the Mi-24, Glushets and unmanned aerial vehicles after the transformation into the brigade.
Among other areas of modernization of the Polish Mi-24 helicopters is the installation of modular self-defense container kits of the Terma company.
The Mi-24W operating in Afghanistan is currently equipped with an optoelectronic jamming station KT-01AV "Adros" (Ukraine) to counter missiles with IR seeker. The helicopters will be able to carry 70mm Mesco rockets, guided missiles and possibly new anti-tank missiles. Two years ago, Rafael's Spike-ER ATGM and Luch missiles were considered as possible options, but no final decision was made.
ITWL and the WZL-1 plant are also working on installing new TV3-117VMA-SBM1V engines by Motor Sich on their helicopters.
Currently, the Polish Armed Forces have 15 Mi-24W attack helicopters, including six deployed in Afghanistan, and about 20 Mi-24Ds. It is expected that the Mi-24W will remain in service until 2024-2026. The Ministry of Education and Science of Poland intends to acquire 26 new transport and special helicopters by 2018. As it was announced, this batch of cars will be of Western production.
