Pzl-Świdnik Pzl Sw-4

Single Rotorcraft

The PZL SW-4 is a Polish light utility helicopter developed by PZL-Świdnik in the 1990s as a modern successor to the Soviet-era Mi-2. First flown in 1996 and certified in 2002, the SW-4 represents Poland's entry into the contemporary light helicopter market with a Western-style single-turbine design. Powered by a single Rolls-Royce 250-C20R/2 turboshaft engine producing 420 shaft horsepower, it seats up to five occupants and serves roles ranging from emergency medical services and law enforcement to pilot training and light transport. The type's maximum takeoff weight of 3,417 pounds and never-exceed speed of 140 knots place it squarely in the light utility category alongside competitors like the Eurocopter EC120 and Robinson R66. While production numbers remain modest compared to Western manufacturers, the SW-4 has found a niche in Central European markets and with Polish government operators. Its glass cockpit and modern avionics made it one of the first Polish-designed aircraft to meet contemporary EASA certification standards. The helicopter's relatively spacious cabin and good high-altitude performance have made it particularly popular for mountain rescue operations in the Carpathians and Alps. SkyMeter has tracked 2 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with the largest observed operator.