PZL SW-4 “Puszczyk” (eng. “Tawny Owl”) is a Polish light single engine multirole helicopter produced by PZL Świdnik. “Multirole capability to satisfy present and future operational requirements, has been one of the priority  targets of the PZL Swidnik engineers in designing the helicopter architecture. SW-4 Puszczyk is perfectly suited for passenger transport, primary and advanced training, patrolling and surveillance. Helicopter provides the best range of operation in its class. The use of the SW-4 for training purposes by the Polish Army ensures it meets pilot training regulations and NATO standards. Puszczyk has hydraulic powered removable dual controls, crashworthy seats and capability for day and night flights simulating IFR. Furthermore, it is compatible with NVG goggles. Emergency simulation unit allow to simulate helicopter stability and controllability in emergency situations such as: hydraulic system failuare, attitude indicator failuare, gyro-compas failuare."*

*Quoted from the PZL Świdnik website.

Decals which enables to finish your 1:48 scale SW-4 in Polish colours are produced by one of the newest companies on the decal market – Rotor Decals. As the original decals provided in the Aeroplast kit are far from being described as “good” and complete these sets are a great improvement and fulfillment for the plastic kit, will surely tune up a final effect of completed model.

Rotor Decals provides two separate sets, one of each for military and civil machines.
First of all decals are printed on the very thin carrier film without too much excess beyond the contour of the markings. Vivid and authentic colours are another advantage of this product. Instruction sheet precisely shows where the particular markings should be placed. Decals contains enough stencils, markings and letters to finish your kit with virtually any individual registration and serial number of the Polish military helicopters. Since 2006 and three following years there are 24 machines being used by the Polish Air Force, all in 4th Aviation Training Wing in Dęblin. You have to compose desired serial number and appropriate individual number from two decals provided by Rotor Decals: first one is a proper “prefix” of 020, 660, 661 and 662 and add the last digit from 0 to 9. Small serial numbers of all military machines are provided as single decals. In the instruction sheet you can find a crib of the serials and proper registrations, to pair them correctly. Variation of civil machines is limited to four birds, however in very eye catching painting schemes of yellow, white, red and white-red colours. Contrast and vividness of colours and markings makes them look very interesting. Selection of the painting schemes depicts airworthy PZL prototypes and presentation machines as seen on different air shows and public exhibitions.

Both instruction sheets contain detailed schemes of the decals placement. There's absolutely no way to misinterpret schemes for military machines however civil will need a bit of study due to many alternative options for each painting scheme. When you focus for just few minutes everything will become clear and reading these schemes won't be difficult any longer. Instruction for both sets does not provide any clue or suggestion of the painting schemes colours, it is up to your own judgment and references.

If you already have the Aeroplast Puszczyk model kit don't hesitate to get also these decals. It would be a shame to waste the effect of the great plastic kit with the crappy decals from the box. These two sets of decals are for me a necessary addition for the great value of money.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.