On the courtyard of the Lotnicze Zakłady Naukowe (LZN) in Psie Pole, a piece of aviation history has been given a second life. The once weathered Mi-2 Helicopter, a Soviet-designed aircraft built exclusively in Poland between 1966 and 1993, has been carefully restored thanks to a joint effort between students and teachers of LZN and volunteers from Collins Aerospace Wrocław. What once stood as a fading monument to the past is now shining again as a symbol of passion, dedication, and intergenerational cooperation.
A Workhorse of Aviation History
The Mi-2 Helicopter is no ordinary machine. Designed as a light multi-purpose helicopter, it was mass-produced in Świdnik (Świdnik Aviation Plant) for Warsaw Pact countries and used in countless roles. It served as a military aircraft, a police chopper, a flying ambulance, and even as an agricultural tool for spraying fields with pesticides. Over 5,500 Mi-2 Helicopters were produced during its 27 years of production, and remarkably, around 50 still remain in service with the Polish military today.
For decades, this particular Mi-2 Helicopter stood exposed to the elements on the school grounds of Lotnicze Zakłady Naukowe (Aviation Technical School). Its paint faded, its surfaces corroded, and its interior bore the marks of time. But in early 2024, a decision was made: it was time to bring the Mi-2 Helicopter back to its former glory.
From Rust to Revival
The restoration began in April and continued intensively until June. Teams of volunteers—students, their mentors, and Collins Aerospace specialists—dedicated hundreds of hours of after-school and weekend work.
We devoted countless hours of voluntary work to the Mi-2 Helicopter project. Our tasks included cleaning, sanding, repainting, and refreshing the helicopter’s interior. We wanted the helicopter to look as it did when it first entered service.
explains Paweł Wielgoś, Technical Director at Collins Aerospace Wrocław.
The project became more than just a technical exercise. For the students of LZN, it was a hands-on lesson in aircraft maintenance, teamwork, and responsibility. For Collins Aerospace volunteers, it was an opportunity to share expertise and give back to the local community. Today, the Mi-2 Helicopter proudly stands on display, a polished testament to what collaboration can achieve.
A Growing Tradition of Restoration
This was not the first time LZN and Collins Aerospace joined forces to preserve aviation heritage. In June 2024, the partnership successfully restored a TS-11 Iskra (Spark), a Polish jet trainer used by the Air Force from the 1960s until 2020. With its polished fuselage, renewed number markings, and freshly restored components, the Iskra became one of the highlights of the school courtyard.
In total, five aircraft stand at the entrance to LZN’s campus on ul. Kiełczowska 43 (Kiełczowska Street 43):
- Antonow An-2 (Antonov An-2) multi-purpose biplane,
- Mil Mi-2 (Mi-2 Helicopter),
- MiG-21 (Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21) fighter jets (two),
- TS-11 Iskra (Spark) jet trainer.
While these machines are invaluable educational tools for aspiring aircraft mechanics, their outdoor exposure also leaves them vulnerable to weather damage. Over the years, restoration projects—often supported by external sponsors—have been essential to preserving them.
Who Are the People Behind the Project?
Lotnicze Zakłady Naukowe (Aviation Technical School)
LZN is a renowned technical school in Wrocław specializing in aviation and mechanical engineering. Founded in the post-war years, the school has trained generations of aviation specialists. Its students benefit from unique access to real aircraft stationed on school grounds, allowing them to apply theory directly to practice. Beyond the workshops, LZN nurtures a deep sense of heritage by protecting historical machines that once defined Polish and global aviation.
Collins Aerospace Wrocław
Collins Aerospace, part of the global RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies), is one of the largest aerospace suppliers in the world. The Wrocław branch plays a significant role in producing aircraft components, landing gears, and subsystems for both civil and military aviation. Alongside its industry-leading innovations, Collins Aerospace Wrocław is actively engaged in community initiatives, including volunteering programs, partnerships with schools, and educational projects like the Mi-2 Helicopter and Iskra restorations.
More Than Machines
The story of the Mi-2 Helicopter renovation is about reviving memories and building bridges between generations. One of the earlier restoration efforts even involved a three-generation team: a student, his father, and his grandfather working side by side.
For students, these projects serve as a live classroom. They learn not only technical skills like sanding, welding, and painting, but also teamwork, dedication, and patience. For the wider Wrocław community, the projects offer a chance to connect with aviation history up close!
Aviation Heritage Brought Back to Life
The Mi-2 Helicopter now stands as a shining symbol of what collaboration, passion, and dedication can achieve. It connects Wrocław’s rich aviation heritage with the next generation of engineers, while also highlighting the importance of preserving historical machines for educational and cultural purposes. Thanks to the joint effort of students, teachers, and aerospace professionals, history has taken flight once more—right in the heart of Wrocław.
