One single-seater was lost in a non-fatal
accident at Mińsk last December (the first MiG-
29 crash since the type entered Polish service),
and Malbork has lost two jets: a fatal crash
in July and a fire during refuelling last year.
Between 2011 and 2014, 16 Fulcrums from the- BLT were modernised at a cost of PLN 126m
(around $36.5m). In collaboration with Israel
Aerospace Industries (IAI), the Wojskowe Zakłady
Lotnicze Nr 2 (WZL-2, Military Aviation Works No
- introduced a Mil Std 15333B data bus allied
with a new 5x4in (127x102mm) multifunction
colour display (MFCD), a new head-up display
(HUD) and a new up-front control panel (UFCP)
in the cockpit. Other avionics comprise an
AN/ARC-210 Talon radio station, new data
recorder with video camera, Honeywell H-764
embedded GPS/inertial navigation system (EGI)
with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module
(SAASM), mission display processor (MDP),
MADC-110 aerodynamic data computer and
several other smaller modifications. Additionally,
it’s planned to install new identification friend
or foe (IFF) receivers (AN/APX for the single-
seaters and AN/DPX-7 for the MiG-29UB
version) in co-operation with BAE Systems.
Ultimately, the upgraded MiG-29s are
set to remain in service for the next 15
years. However, no serious modifications
are planned for the Malbork jets and they
are expected to be withdrawn earlier.
Sukhoi survivors
Until 2015 it seemed the Su-22’s service with the
SP was coming to an end. However, that year
the Polish defence ministry decided to upgrade
and extend the life of the venerable Fitter beyond
the 30 years planned by the manufacturer (the
jets were delivered to Poland between 1984 and
1988). The current ‘upgrade’ is actually a modest
equipment addition together with an overhaul
and airframe life extension. New kit includes
an additional RS-6113 radio station and a new
flight parameter recorder. Under an earlier phase,the WZL-2 facility in Bydgoszcz added anti-
collision lights, Trimble 2101AP GPS receiver,
BendixKing KLU-709 tactical air navigation
system, (TACAN) and ANV-241MMR instrument
landing system (ILS) in place of the previous
RSBN-7S. This work also introduced an R-862
digital control panel radio station and QAR/S-
54 recorder from Warsaw’s ATM company.
The aircraft’s life has been extended by ten
years or 800 flight hours and 1,200 landings
(1,600 for the two-seat Su-22UM3K version).2nd Tactical Air Wing
Uniquely, this wing is equipped with one
aircraft type: the F-16C/D Block 52
was acquired under the Peace Sky
programme and delivered in 2006-- Examples are allocated to
two air bases. Krzesiny is
responsible for 32 jets
in two squadrons: 6.
eskadra lotnictwa
taktycznego (6.
elt, 6th Tactical Air Squadron) ‘Tiger’ and 3. elt.
The remaining 16 are at Łask with the 10. elt.
The wing performs a broad spectrum of
tasks, from aerial combat (including duties
within NATINAMDS, and one Baltic Air Policing
mission so far), to strike (close air support
and co-operation with Joint Terminal Attack
Controllers). Reconnaissance missions are
performed along NATO’s eastern border as
well as under Operation Inherent Resolve,
which involved four F-16s flying from a
Kuwaiti base until mid-2018. Over time, the
division of responsibilities between squadrons
has disappeared. For example, although
the DB-110 recce pod was issued to Łask,
pilots at both bases are trained to use it.
Both F-16 bases were thoroughly rebuilt, and
new hangars erected together with maintenance
buildings, simulators and pilots’ quarters. A group
of former MiG-21 pilots trained as instructors in
the US, allowing for the
introduction50 // DECEMBER 2018 #369 http://www.airforcesmonthly.comPolish military aviation centenary