The WSK SM-2 helicopter shines blue and yellow after renovation in the LOM PRAHA company
It is a random symbolism, but it has a meaning these days. The historic Polish helicopter WSK SM-2 from the collections of the Military Historical Institute in Prague, which has undergone a complete renovation in the last year in the state enterprise LOM PRAHA, now shines in colors reminiscent of the Ukrainian flag. The renovated machine was handed back to the Kbely Aviation Museum on Thursday, April 14, with the participation of the director of the VHÚ, brigadier general Aleš Knížka and the director of LOM PRAHA Jiří Protiva.
The ceremonial handover of the helicopter took place in blue in front of the halls of the state enterprise LOM PRAHA, the pleasant atmosphere and beauty of the glowing machine and the yellow color were further enhanced by the spring weather with an azure blue sky. The renovation of the helicopter in the LOM PRAHA company is another example of this company’s intensive and good cooperation with the Military Historical Institute in Prague. In 2021, after renovation in LOM PRAHA, VHÚ took over two aircraft: Aero L-29 Dolphin and training fighter Avia / Ilyushin Il-10.
The WSK SM-2 helicopter is a Polish version of the widespread Soviet Mil Mi-1 light helicopter. This multi-purpose design was developed at Zykmund Pulawski’s Wytwórnia Sprzętu Komunikacyjnego (WSK) plant in Swidnik in the late 1950s.
The designers used a very successful combination of a seven-cylinder star engine with a three-bladed main rotor and, while leaving the original rear part, completely redesigned the cabin for the pilot and passengers. Thanks to the well-thought-out design, they saved on the weight of the machines, which allows them to add two more passenger seats, or install special crane or ambulance equipment. With the ingenious solution of the bow, it was possible to install another special door in it, through which the stretcher with the wounded was carried into the modified cabin. Alternatively, another special medical box for another stretcher could be hung on the outer right side of the helicopter.
Only one machine of this type served in the former Czechoslovakia. It was made in Swidnik in 1962 in a passenger version with five seats. Its flight was carried out on November 15 by pilot Stanislaw Wiacek and then it was probably handed over to the Czechoslovak Republic at the end of the year. side. As early as January 11, 1963, he was registered with the Aviation Division of the Ministry of the Interior as OK-BYK. He flew with him until 1970, when the company Slov-Air Bratislava was sold and matriculated as OK-RUV.
Shortly afterwards, he underwent a general overhaul at Letecké opravné Trenčín, when he probably received a new surface coating in a combination of bright yellow and blue, supplemented by the Slov-Air logos. After that, the helicopter was used for various activities, including to control high-voltage power lines.
After reaching the specified service life of 1,200 flight hours, the helicopter was offered to the VHÚ collection and flew over on May 20, 1975 by pilot Antonín Dytrych at Prague-Kbely Airport, where it was transferred to the VHÚ Aviation Museum. Since then, it has been deposited in depositories and occasionally exhibited at museum ceremonies.
Technical data of the machine:
- LIT-3 engine (AI-26 SV) with an output of 423 kW (575 hp).
- Rotor diameter 14.33 m
- Hull length 12.08m
- Height 3.3 m
- Weight of empty helicopter 1,946 kg
- Take-off weight 2,550 kg
- Max. speed 170 km / h
- Cruising speed 130 km / h
- Access 3,500 m
- Range 320 km