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]
Variantsedit
Passenger Standard
Seats for pilot and 9 passengers, individual vents and lighting.[citation needed]
Passenger Executive
Seats for pilot and 5 passengers, luxury finishing, silenced cockpit, individual vents, lighting and audio system.[citation needed]
Cargo
Ability to carry 800 kg (1,764 lb) external loads as a flying crane or to carry up to 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) of load in the cabin.[citation needed]
Medevac / Air ambulance
Equipment and space for up to 4 stretchers or less with paramedic crew on board.[citation needed]
Agricultural
Ability to carry up to 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) of chemicals or agro loads (grains, seeds etc.) and ability to carry on one of following aerial application methods: LV spraying, ULV spraying, dustring and spreading (not built in series, only tested).[citation needed]
Spitfire Taurus II or Super Kania[citation needed]
American version of the PZL Kania, with redesigned fuselage and single 550 shp (410 kW) Allison Model 250-C28 engine, with a big central air inlet, that was to be built under licence in the United States by Spitfire Helicopters but only a mock-up was built.[7]
^ abTaylor, John W.R., ed. (1983). Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1982–83 (73rd ed.). London: Jane's Publishing Company. pp. 169–170. ISBN 978-0-7106-0748-5.
^ abcBogdański, Miłosz (2009). "Kania uczy się latać (Kania learns to fly)". Aeroplan (in Polish). 5–6 (80–81). Warsaw: p.p.4–16.
^ abTaylor, John W.R., ed. (1988). Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1988–89 (79th ed.). London: Jane's Information Group. pp. 188–189. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.
^ abBogdański, Miłosz (2009). "Lista produkcyjna śmigłowców Kania (Kania production list)". Aeroplan (in Polish). 5–6 (80–81). Warsaw: 46.