On 7 November 2003 at EADS PZL “Warszawa Okęcie” (in the oldest production aircraft plant in Poland) we celebrated the ceremony of roll –out of the first training airplane PZL-130TC-II Orlik. On the basis of experience arising from operation of older version by Polish Air Forces (37 aircraft delivered to Academy of Air Forces) many modifications have been introduced. The most important is installation of Pratt-Whitney PT-6A-25C turbo-prop engine which has 750 SHP in comparison to 670 SHP for previous Walter M-601T engine. New engine is operated ‘on condition’ (it has unlimited service life) what should significantly reduce costs of operation. We installed also a new propeller i.e. four-blade Hartzell propeller with steady RPM.
Orlik TC-II has also a new wing with changed geometry and surface extended.
Under wings at six fixing points it is possible to install auxiliary armament and equipment.
All these changes are to significantly improve the aircraft flight characteristics– especially at low cruising speed and aerobatics manoeuvres.
The aircraft is easier for operation due to installation of new electrical system and digital Vehicle Management System - VMS).
Cockpit air conditioning significantly improves flight comfort to the crew.
At the ceremony, conducted by Mr Carlosa Navarro - EADS-PZL President, participated 120 visitors from Ministry of National Defence, Scientific Research Committee, Air Forces, etc. who got aquatinted with the current business offer of the plant including Wilga, Koliber and Kruk family airplanes.
