December 07, 2001

'33'

INDIA’S FIRST AVIATION MUSEUM

        The first aviation museum in the country has been set up by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) at Bangalore. The Museum called the HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum, showcases India’s rich aviation heritage. From gliders to supersonic jets and from planes made out of the cloth to modern composites, the rich aviation heritage is brought alive through real aircraft, a breath taking collection of photographs and models.

        The highlights of the museum are aircraft simulators to give a real feel of flying to the visitors and an innovatively recreated air traffic control which provides a spectacular view of aircraft taking off and landing at the nearby airport. Here one can also learn about the basic principles involved in flying as also the history of navigation from time immemorial, when there was no ground-based navigation, to the present system, which uses automated instrument landing. There is also an opportunity for children above 12 years of age to become members of Aero Modelling Club.

        The heritage centre and Aerospace Museum situated on the Airport-Varthur road, two Kms from the Bangalore takes the visitors down the bygone era – from 1940, depicting the growth of the Indian aviation industry. This is made possible with the help of translites, photographs, stamps and models of aircraft and space vehicles. Here one also gets an insight into the technologies of aircraft manufacturing and maintenance evolved over the last 60 years. On display are various aircraft including the fighter aircraft produced under license for the Indian Air Force by HAL such as Marut, Mig-21, Canberra and the LCA. Amongst the trainers on display are HT-2, the first trainer aircraft produced by HAL, the Pushpak which is still being used by Flying Clubs and the Kiran basic Jet trainer for the IAF pilots. The advance light helicopters, Chetak and Cheetah also mark their presence alongwith the Devon transport aircraft.

        The other salient features of this museum are the heritage library which chronicles, the developments of aerospace experience and technology, the audio visual display covering various air shows and aviation related activities and a souvenir shop to pick up memorabilia to make ones visit really memorable.

        The setting up of HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum is a giant step forward towards preserving India’s aviation history and heritage. This is tribute to magnificent men, women, and machines that have propelled the country into the global aviation field.