Defence & Space

Hanwha to Showcase Next-Generation Artillery and Air-Defense Solutions at IDEX 2025

Hanwha will present a range of cutting-edge defense capabilities at IDEX 2025, under the theme of ‘Driving Innovation with Partners.

2025-02-13 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Over 20 participants interested in consultations for the modernization of the Polish corvette Ślązak

In response to questions from the MILMAG Portal editorial team, the Social Communication Department of the Armament Agency provided information about…

2025-02-13 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

The first FA-50PL will be ready in 2025

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) presented the current progress on the Polish version of the FA-50 aircraft at their facility in…

2024-12-30 | Jakub Link-Lenczowski | 8 minutes

Estonia’s Defense Industry – Small but Innovative

Despite its small size, the Republic of Estonia is among the countries that prioritize innovative solutions across various sectors of…

2024-12-19 | Redakcja | 6 minutes

Over 20 participants interested in consultations for the modernization of the Polish corvette Ślązak

In response to questions from the MILMAG Portal editorial team, the Social Communication Department of the Armament Agency provided information about…

2025-02-13 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

The 3,000th Piorun Man-Portable Air-Defense System, manufactured by Mesko

Mesko, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), has announced the production of the 3,000th unit of the Piorun MANPADS…

2025-02-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Elbit Systems to provide JNDFC Center for a European Country

Elbit Systems awarded contracts totaling approximately $100 million to provide Joint National Digital Fires Command Center for a European country.

2025-02-10 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Rheinmetall and Hologate sign strategic cooperation agreement for XR and VR simulation solutions

Rheinmetall and Hologate announce the start of a strategic cooperation. The aim is to develop innovative simulation solutions. Both companies combine expertise…

2024-12-03 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Hanwha to Showcase Next-Generation Artillery and Air-Defense Solutions at IDEX 2025

Hanwha will present a range of cutting-edge defense capabilities at IDEX 2025, under the theme of ‘Driving Innovation with Partners.

2025-02-13 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

WB Group and Larsen & Toubro sign a cooperation agreement

WB Group and the Indian company Larsen & Toubro signed a cooperation declaration at the Aero India 2025 exhibition in Bengaluru,…

2025-02-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Hanwha to Showcase Next-Generation Artillery and Air-Defense Solutions at IDEX 2025

Hanwha will present a range of cutting-edge defense capabilities at IDEX 2025, under the theme of ‘Driving Innovation with Partners.

2025-02-13 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

The 3,000th Piorun Man-Portable Air-Defense System, manufactured by Mesko

Mesko, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), has announced the production of the 3,000th unit of the Piorun MANPADS…

2025-02-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Half a million landings and 125,000 flight hours of Polish Medical Air Rescue’s helicopters

The fleet of Airbus H135 rescue helicopters, belonging to Polish Medical Air Rescue, has reached half a million landings and surpassed a total…

2025-02-04 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

The Police ordered bulletproof vests and a mobile shooting range

The National Police Headquarters signed a contract with Lubawa Group for the delivery of a batch of integrated bulletproof vests, while the…

2025-01-08 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Hanwha to Showcase Next-Generation Artillery and Air-Defense Solutions at IDEX 2025

Hanwha will present a range of cutting-edge defense capabilities at IDEX 2025, under the theme of ‘Driving Innovation with Partners.

2025-02-13 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Over 20 participants interested in consultations for the modernization of the Polish corvette Ślązak

In response to questions from the MILMAG Portal editorial team, the Social Communication Department of the Armament Agency provided information about…

2025-02-13 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Latvia: Production of Patria 6×6 armored personnel carriers for Ukraine

During the visit of the Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia, Anatolii Kutsevol, to the Defence Partnership Latvia plant in Valmiera, the production…

2025-02-06 | Rafał Muczyński | 4 minutes

Protection of Underwater Infrastructure in the Baltic Sea

Over the past three months, incidents involving damage to underwater transmission infrastructure in the Baltic Sea have been multiplying. Since late…

2025-01-31 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 16 minutes

Bonus Food Project: Meals from Kielce-Based Company LYOFOOD Are Heading to Space

As part of the first Polish mission to the International Space Station, the Kielce-based company LYOFOOD, in collaboration with the European…

2025-02-10 | Redakcja | 7 minutes

Agreement Between Radmor and SpaceForest

The companies Radmor (part of the WB Group) and SpaceForest from Gdynia have signed a cooperation agreement, establishing a partnership between the…

2025-01-24 | Redakcja | 2 minutes
Shooting

Helikon-Tex at Enforce Tac 2025 Trade Fair

From February 24 to 26, 2025, the Polish company Helikon-Tex will showcase its product range and new releases at the Enforce…

2025-02-12 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

Black Week at Clawgear

The Black Week promotion at Clawgear runs until December 2, 2024. The more you add to your cart, the bigger the…

2024-11-28 | Michał Ihnatów | 1 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Helikon-Tex at Enforce Tac 2025 Trade Fair

From February 24 to 26, 2025, the Polish company Helikon-Tex will showcase its product range and new releases at the Enforce…

2025-02-12 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

TEST: Direct Action Vanguard Uniform

The Vanguard is a uniform set from the Polish brand Direct Action, designed in collaboration with special forces soldiers. There are…

2025-01-19 | Michał Gaweł | 18 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

POLSECURE: Holsters HPE Poland offer for uniformed services

At the 3rd International Police and Public Security Fair POLSECURE 2024 in Kielce, Holsters HPE Poland presented its offer for…

2024-05-01 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

The tests of MSBS Grot S16

The MSBS Grot S16 FB-M1 is a semi-automatic variant of the standard assault rifle used by the Polish Armed Forces and law…

2024-11-18 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

The GROT BS10 FB-M1 BULLPUP is hitting the market!

Fabryka Broni Łucznik-Radom is launching the GROT BS10 FB-M1 BULLPUP, a 5.56 mm semi-automatic bullpup rifle equipped with a short 10.5-inch (267…

2024-09-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Weapon light: a practical tool for everyday service. How to choose?

In the world of armed forces, where every second can determine the outcome of an operation, precision and effectiveness are…

2024-08-29 | Redakcja | 7 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms ownership in Poland, 2022: growth in the year of war

National Police Headquarters released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and individual firearms owned by Polish citizens. It can be…

2023-03-14 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

TEST: Direct Action Vanguard Uniform

The Vanguard is a uniform set from the Polish brand Direct Action, designed in collaboration with special forces soldiers. There are…

2025-01-19 | Michał Gaweł | 18 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

PZL-Świdnik offers comprehensive training solutions for helicopter crews and ground staff

The Polish Armed Forces are expanding and modernizing their helicopter fleet. Recently, several contracts have been signed for deliveries, with further ones being the subject of discussions and consultations. The large number of next-generation helicopters presents new challenges for the Polish Armed Forces in terms of pilot training and technical maintenance for helicopters at least one generation newer than those currently in use.

Recently, the Armament Agency has signed contracts for the delivery of modern helicopters for the needs of the Polish Armed Forces. This includes eight multi-role S-70i Black Hawk helicopters for Special Forces, 32 Leonardo AW149 multi-role support helicopters for the Land Forces, and four maritime multi-role Leonardo AW101 helicopters for the Navy.

However, that’s not the end of it. It is prudent to acquire additional helicopters for the Land Forces, which need to replace transport helicopters from the Mi family. These could be AW101 helicopters or additional AW149s or a certain mix of these platforms, depending on their doctrine of use. Additionally, Poland is to acquire 96 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters. In addition to the aforementioned four maritime AW101s, the needs of the Navy are estimated to require at least eight or even twelve additional units of this type, including shipborne helicopters as part of the Kondor program, which would replace the aging SH-2G Super Seasprite.

What connects the aforementioned helicopters is the fact that they are at least one generation more modern than the helicopters currently used in the Polish Armed Forces. This sets entirely new requirements in terms of personnel training – both for pilots and technical staff.

Pilots of the Polish Navy in the cockpit of the AW101 helicopter / Photo: Polish Navy

A significant number of new helicopters that are already being delivered, as well as those that will be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces, will be produced by PZL-Świdnik (AW149) or with significant involvement of these facilities (AW101). Therefore, it is not surprising that the Polish helicopter manufacturer offers its solutions to our military in terms of pilot and technical personnel training. PZL-Świdnik would be the direct provider of a comprehensive training system. This system would include all necessary elements such as trainers, simulators, combat training helicopters, and a logistics package. In addition, there would be full support from PZL-Świdnik as the helicopter manufacturer for the flying and technical personnel to be trained.

Virtual Reality Simulator

PZL-Świdnik, operating within the Leonardo Group, offers the latest solutions in training – a simulator with virtual and augmented reality, VxR (Virtual and Extended Reality). Its real, physical part consists of the pilot’s seat, control elements such as the cyclic stick and collective lever, as well as a simplified instrument panel. The rest of the pilot’s working environment is generated using special goggles worn by the trainee pilot. This is the first device of its kind built by the manufacturer, replicating the company’s own products. This allows for the combination of simulation capabilities with data from real helicopters that the simulation replicates.

The pilot in the VxR virtual flight simulator. The augmented reality goggles provide visualizations of both the helicopter’s interior and its surroundings. / Photo: Leonardo

Virtual reality allows for replacing equipment equivalent to a full flight simulator. Not only is the pilot’s cockpit and the helicopter’s surroundings replicated, but also the actual dynamic properties of the simulated aircraft. All of this allows the pilot to feel just like in the cockpit of a real helicopter, including interaction with physical devices in the cockpit and on the instrument panel, which enables a more faithful representation of a given helicopter. The pilot has a 360º field of view.

Through the use of goggles, stereoscopic imaging can be achieved, which increases the realism of the pilot’s sensations while observing the virtual cockpit interior and the space outside the helicopter with terrain obstacles and other environmental elements during flight.

By using goggles, it was possible to eliminate large elements typical of traditional simulators such as a projection system. This significantly reduces the weight and size of the entire simulator, increasing its mobility and the possibility of placing it on a movable platform. Due to its small size, the VxR simulator is easy to transport and does not require extensive infrastructure. A prime example of this was the presentation of such a simulator by PZL-Świdnik during MSPO 2023. The showcased device was placed in a standard, compact container.

The virtual cockpit is capable of replicating all types of helicopters produced by the Leonardo Group. As a result, the VxR simulator can be used in the training process for crews of various helicopters in the fleet of the same user.

The pilot using the virtual VxR simulator, thanks to the visualization system, not only sees the interior of the cockpit and the helicopter’s surroundings but also the position of their hands, enabling manipulation of switches in the virtual cockpit. / Photo: Leonardo

Comprehensive Solution

However, PZL-Świdnik is not only offering the VxR simulator but also modern solutions in the form of more traditional devices. As representatives of the Polish facility inform, today the Polish Navy uses precisely such modern simulator systems for training AW101 helicopter pilots.

AW149 helicopter of the Land Forces / Photo: Grzegorz Sobczak

As representatives of PZL-Świdnik assure, no one knows the piloting characteristics of helicopters better than their designer and manufacturer. Thanks to access to certified data, precise replication of piloting characteristics in the simulator can be achieved. Furthermore, the helicopter manufacturer can handle the management and technical servicing of the equipment used in the training process. The experience of the Leonardo Helicopter Training Academy allows for the development of training solutions tailored to the user’s needs, taking into account various helicopter platforms, including those acquired in other programs.

Simulators with Increased Realism

A new category of product offered by the Leonardo Group is the ETD e-Motion simulator (Enhanced Training Device). It combines the capabilities of a six-degrees-of-freedom platform simulator (Full Flight Simulator) with providing increased simulation realism not only in flight characteristics but also in other pilot sensations such as G-forces, vibrations, or defining the scenery in the training area to replicate specific geographic locations.

The system can be installed in a set of containers, allowing for its use without the need for specialized infrastructure construction, and it can be deployed in any location and quickly relocated.

AW149 helicopter simulator provided by Leonardo / Photo: Leonardo

The simulator allows for conducting training in reconnaissance missions and target search using the latest sensors that can be installed on board of a helicopter, search and rescue tasks, including combat search and rescue, medical evacuation missions, missions to combat enemy armored vehicles, as well as cooperation with other military units.

AW109 TrekkerM Helicopter

For practical training, PZL-Świdnik offers the AW109 TrekkerM helicopter, which is the military version of the popular AW109. It is a light twin-engine multi-role helicopter known for its good performance, including in high-altitude and tropical climate conditions, and high flight speed. It is also flexible in adapting to various missions. The main rotor turning to the left allows trainees to develop proper piloting habits, especially in emergency situations like autorotation, which will be identical to those required for heavier helicopters that the trainee pilot will fly later.

During flight, pilots can switch their tasks easily. One can be the flying pilot, while the other serves as an observer, and later they can switch roles. An additional seat has been installed in the rear part of the pilots’ cabin, in the middle, behind the pilots’ seats, allowing observation of all actions of both pilots. It can be used, for example, as a seat for a trainee pilot flying as an observer, who can watch the actions of their colleagues during the flight and learn from their mistakes.

AW101 maritime helicopter of the Polish Navy / Photo: Polish Navy

The electronic displays of the glass cockpit facilitates flights with both single- and two-person crews, in visibility conditions adequate for both the visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR). Liquid crystal displays allow, among other things, the use of the Honeywell Synthetic Vision System, which displays a synthetic image of the surroundings supplemented with navigational data and marked terrain obstacles on the cockpit monitors. This system is also included in the equipment of helicopters such as the AW149. The TrekkerM also features the Helicopter Terrain Avoidance Warning System (HTAWS), enhancing flight safety.

Optionally, the AW109 TrekkerM can carry armament such as machine gun pods or unguided missile launchers.

Helicopters produced by Leonardo share many common features that ensure a high level of interoperability. This allows for a smooth transition of pilots from advanced training helicopters, such as the aforementioned AW109 TrekkerM, to performing tasks on heavier helicopters. A significant portion of avionics equipment is shared among various Leonardo-produced models, making Leonardo a global provider of training, simulator and software design, production, and operational application delivery. In Poland, these capabilities may be available through PZL-Świdnik, which is always involved in all commitments within Polish helicopter programs.

Training of Technicians

Today, the training processes for aircraft technical personnel also utilize simulation techniques. This includes the technical training provided by PZL-Świdnik for Leonardo family helicopters. During familiarization with maintenance principles, technical personnel use elements of practical training based on Interactive Virtual Maintenance Trainer Simulator (IVMTS) interactive devices. With this system, technicians can familiarize themselves with the construction and operation of the main helicopter components such as engines or main gearboxes. In the field of avionics and other helicopter installations, the training system is supported by a special VTM package. Thanks to these solutions, the training technical personnel can learn the procedures used for servicing onboard installations and learn to perform them correctly even before gaining full access to the actual helicopter.

Representatives of PZL-Świdnik emphasize that they are able to provide an efficient training system optimized for the Polish Armed Forces, based on the experiences already gained by the entire Leonardo Group in the field of training cooperation with military customers worldwide.

AW101 helicopter simulator cabin during pilot training / Photo: Leonardo

PZL-Świdnik also has the capability to provide technical support for simulator system operation and maintenance teams stationed with the user. This allows for effective operation, as well as easy access to spare parts and on-site technical support for simulator usage.

Market consultations

According to information obtained by MILMAG, the Armament Agency will, as part of market consultations, determine the possibilities of acquiring a comprehensive training solution. It will include 24 helicopters configured for training with the use of airborne combat assets, a training system composed of simulators and trainers, a logistics support package for training, material support services, a training package, and adaptation or construction of infrastructure closely related to the training system.

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