Poland sends helicopters to aid Ukrainian pilot training
Polish Governmental Agency for Strategic Reserves has announced the transfer of three helicopters to Ukraine as part of an aid package. These helicopters come from the Polish police fleet, and one of them is notable for having been used to transport Pope John Paul II.
The package includes two Mi-8 helicopters and one Bell 412-HP, acquired by the Agency for Strategic Reserves in cooperation with the Military Property Agency and the Ministry of Interior and Administration. These helicopters are destined for the Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, where they will be utilized for training and exercises for future pilots. Additionally, the aircraft may serve as a source for spare parts for other helicopters used by Ukrainian aviation.
The Mi-8 helicopters are the workhorses of the Ukrainian Air Force, typically used for transporting soldiers and freight over long distances. However, they have also been employed in attacks using S-8 rocket pods or for drone hunting.
In contrast, Bell 412 helicopters are similar-class aircraft from the United States, derived from the Bell 212, a civilian evolution of the renowned military Bell UH-1 (Huey). Poland purchased two Bell 412 helicopters for the Polish Armed Forces, which were delivered in 1991. Notably, the helicopter numbered 02 was used to transport Pope John Paul II during his pilgrimage to Poland in 1991.
Initially, it became apparent that one version was too small. Consequently, in 1993, it was replaced by a Bell 412-HP model, which served in the 36th Special Aviation Transport Regiment until 2011. After the regiment's dissolution, the Bell 412-HP joined the police helicopter fleet. However, due to financial constraints and a lack of spare parts, it spent most of its time in the hangar of the Central Base of the Police Aviation Management of the Main Police Headquarters in Warsaw.
Bell 412 - workhorse of many armed forces and businessmen
The Bell 412-HP helicopter features a twin-engine design with a four-blade rotor capable of carrying up to eight passengers, though certain configurations allow for accommodating up to 13 people in addition to two pilots. The helicopter's empty weight is around 7,300 pounds, and its maximum takeoff weight is approximately 11,900 pounds. The Polish unit has a FLIR STAR SAFIRE HD electro-optical system with a thermal imaging camera.
The Bell 412 is highly popular among armed forces and civilian users, with over 1,300 units produced since 1979. The largest operators include Canada, Italy, and Japan, which are produced under license by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Leonardo, and Subaru, respectively.
