Year: 2010
Development stage: Operational

Historical Description: The W-3PL "Głuszec" is a modern multi-role helicopter developed by PZL-Świdnik, part of Leonardo Helicopters. It is based on the W-3 Sokół platform and enhanced to meet the advanced operational requirements of the Polish Armed Forces. This upgrade significantly improves its capabilities in terms of avionics, armament, and survivability, making it suitable for a wide range of missions including close air support, reconnaissance, and troop transport. The Głuszec variant was introduced in 2010 and has been a critical asset for the Polish military ever since.

Armament Details:

Primary Weapon:

12.7mm WKM-B Machine Gun
- Caliber: 12.7mm
- Type: Heavy machine gun mounted on a flexible mount
- Ammunition Capacity: 400 rounds
- Effective Range: Up to 2,000 meters
- Fire Rate: 700-850 rounds per minute
- Details: The WKM-B is a versatile heavy machine gun providing significant firepower against both ground and light airborne targets. It is mounted on a flexible structure allowing for a wide range of motion and rapid engagement of multiple targets.

Secondary Weapons:

57mm S-5 Rockets
- Caliber: 57mm
- Type: Unguided rocket pods
- Ammunition Capacity: 16 rockets per pod (typically two pods)
- Effective Range: Up to 4,000 meters
- Types of Rockets: HE (High-Explosive), HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank), fragmentation
- Details: The S-5 rockets offer substantial strike capability against ground targets including light armor, personnel, and fortified positions. These rockets are deployed in salvos, enhancing their suppression effectiveness over a wide area.

Additional Armaments:

Spike-ER ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles)
- Type: Anti-Tank Guided Missiles
- Ammunition Capacity: 4 missiles (two launchers with two missiles each)
- Effective Range: Up to 8,000 meters
- Guidance System: Infrared and electro-optical targeting systems
- Details: The Spike-ER provides precision strike capabilities against heavily armored targets, including main battle tanks. It features "fire-and-forget" technology, allowing for quick and effective engagement of multiple targets.
Spike NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) Missiles
- Type: Long-range anti-tank guided missiles
- Ammunition Capacity: 4 missiles (two launchers with two missiles each)
- Effective Range: Up to 25,000 meters
- Guidance System: Electro-optical, fiber-optic guidance
- Details: The Spike NLOS missiles provide the helicopter with the capability to engage targets at extreme distances, including those beyond visual range. This significantly enhances its versatility and threat response.
20mm GIAT M621 Cannon (optional)
- Caliber: 20mm
- Type: Cannon pod
- Ammunition Capacity: 180 rounds
- Effective Range: Up to 2,500 meters
- Fire Rate: 720 rounds per minute
- Details: The GIAT M621 cannon pod enhances the Głuszec's fire support role, offering substantial firepower against a variety of ground targets.
UPK-23-250 Gun Pod
- Type: Gun pod with GSh-23 cannon
- Caliber: 23mm
- Ammunition Capacity: 250 rounds per pod
- Effective Range: Up to 2,500 meters
- Fire Rate: 3,400 rounds per minute
- Details: The UPK-23-250 pod increases the helicopter's firepower with its rapid-firing 23mm cannon, suitable for engaging both ground and airborne targets.
MARS-2M Rocket Pod
- Type: Rocket pod with 16 x 57mm rockets
- Ammunition Capacity: 16 rockets per pod
- Effective Range: Up to 4,000 meters
- Details: Similar to the S-5 rockets, the MARS-2M pod provides substantial area suppression capabilities against a variety of ground targets.
B-8-10 Rocket Pod
- Type: Rocket pod with 10 x 80mm rockets
- Ammunition Capacity: 10 rockets per pod
- Effective Range: Up to 4,000 meters
- Details: The B-8-10 pod enhances the Głuszec's capability to engage larger and more fortified targets with its 80mm rockets.
GAD Rail with Strzała 2M Missiles
- Type: Air-to-air missile system
- Ammunition Capacity: 4 missiles (two rails with two missiles each)
- Effective Range: Up to 5,000 meters
- Guidance System: Infrared homing
- Details: The Strzała 2M missiles provide the helicopter with the capability to engage aerial threats, adding an important air-defense dimension to its capabilities.

Other Info:

Crew: 2 (Pilot, Co-pilot/Operator)
Passengers: Up to 10 troops
Armor: Composite armor for crew protection
Avionics:
- Glass cockpit
- GPS navigation
- Thermal imaging systems
- Helmet-mounted sights
- Integrated electronic warfare suite
Mobility:
- Engine: 2 x PZL-10W turboshaft engines
- Power: 900 shp each
- Speed: 260 km/h (cruise)
- Range: 745 km
Dimensions: Length: 14.2 m; Rotor diameter: 15.7 m; Height: 4.2 m
Weight: 6,400 kg (max takeoff weight)

Recommended Battle Rating: 8.0

Justification for Battle Rating Placement: The W-3PL "Głuszec" is equipped with advanced avionics, potent armament systems including ATGMs and heavy machine guns, and robust defensive features such as composite armor and electronic warfare suites. Its versatility and modern technology make it a formidable asset in various combat scenarios, justifying a high battle rating for its class.

Sources:

Wikipedia article on PZL W-3 Sokół: https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/PZL_W-3_Sok%C3%B3%C5%82
GlobalSecurity.org - W-3PL Głuszec: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/w-3pl-gluszec.htm
Military-Today - W-3PL Głuszec: http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/w_3_gluszec.htm
Leonardo Company - W-3PL Głuszec: https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/products/w-3-gluszec


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