Uganda orders two AgustaWestland helicopters for law enforcement

AgustaWestland’s subsidiary PZL-Swidnik has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uganda for the delivery of a GrandNew light twin and a W-3A Sokol intermediate twin engine helicopter intended for law enforcement missions.

Upon the scheduled delivery next year, the new choppers will be operated by the Uganda Police to execute law enforcement missions across the nation.

The contract award follows evaluation process against the demanding requests of the customer and also comprises a comprehensive training and support package.

AgustaWestland will assemble the GrandNew helicopter at its Vergiate facility in Italy, with the work involving the addition of a cargo hook, search light and loud speaker system.

Claimed to be the fastest and most advanced light twin in the market, the GrandNew helicopter features digital avionics for single/dual pilot instrument flight rules (IFR) operation as well as a four-axis dual duplex digital autopilot together with a Flight Director.

Additional features include Chelton Flight Systems’ flight-logic electronic flight instrument system (EFIS); synthetic vision and highway in the sky (HITS); a redesigned glass-cockpit; a new radio management system (RMS); and the integrated display system (IDS) provides aircraft/engine data monitoring, crew alert and maintenance data pages.

To be assembled at PZL-Swidnik facility in Swidnik, Poland, the W-3A Sokol will be integrated with a cargo hook, rescue hoist, search light, loudspeaker system, rappelling kit, FLIR and provisions for firefighting equipment and an emergency floatation system.

Powered by two PZL-10W turboshaft engines with each engine rated at 662kW for take-off, the W-3A Sokol offers a maximum take-off weight of 6,400kg, while accommodating about 14 people, in addition to cargo.

Capable of operating in all types of climates and environmental conditions the W-3A Sokol can carry out a range of missions such as law enforcement, passenger transport, troop transport, air ambulance, search and rescue, firefighting and other utility roles.

Image: Both the helicopters will be deployed by the Uganda Police for executing law enforcement missions. Photo: courtesy of AgustaWestland – A Finmeccanica Company.

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