The PZL Kania (Polish Kite, also marketed as Kitty Hawk) is a follow-up design to the Mil Mi-2 helicopter, developed in Poland by PZL-Świdnik.

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]}

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]

 Cyprus

• Cyprus Air Forces^[8]

 Poland

• Border Guard^[9]

 Slovakia

• Air Transport Europe^[10]

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89^[3]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1 or 2
• Capacity: 8 or 9 / 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) internal payload, 800 kg (1,764 lb) slung load / 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) chemicals
• Length: 17.47 m (57 ft 4 in) overall

12.03 m (39 ft) fuselage only

• Height: 3.75 m (12 ft 4 in) to top of rotor head
• Empty weight: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
• Gross weight: 3,350 kg (7,385 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 3,550 kg (7,826 lb)
• Fuel capacity: 600 L (160 US gal; 130 imp gal) standard internal fuel, with provision for additional 423 L (112 US gal; 93 imp gal) in auxiliary tanks
• Powerplant: 2 × Allison 250-C20B turboshaft engines, 313 kW (420 hp) each
• Main rotor diameter: 14.558 m (47 ft 9 in)
• Main rotor area: 166.5 m² (1,792 sq ft)
  
• Blade section: NACA 23012M^[11]

Performance

• Cruise speed: 215 km/h (134 mph, 116 kn) maximum cruise
• Economical cruise speed: 190 km/h (120 mph; 100 kn)
• Range: 430 km (270 mi, 230 nmi) internal fuel, econ cruise, with 30 minutes reserve

493 km (306 mi; 266 nmi) internal fuel, econ cruise, with no reserve

• Ferry range: 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi) maximum fuel, with 30 minutes reserve

863 km (536 mi; 466 nmi) maximum fuel, econ cruise, with no reserve

• Service ceiling: 4,000 m (13,000 ft)
  
• Hover ceiling IGE: 2,500 m (8,202 ft)
• Hover ceiling OGE: 1,375 m (4,511 ft)
• Rate of climb: 8.75 m/s (1,722 ft/min)
  
• Maximum rate of climb on one engine: 1.017 m/s (3.34 ft/s)

Related development

• Mil Mi-2
• PZL W-3 Sokół