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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
A warrior preserved: Helicopter museum opens in Vizag
Visakhapatnam : The city has added a new attraction to its coastal corridor with the inauguration of a helicopter museum on Beach Road, featuring the de-inducted Mark III Technology Utility Helicopter, the UH-3H. The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) invested nearly ₹3.5 crore to develop the museum, which was formally opened on Monday. Following the success of the TU-142 aircraft museum, the submarine museum, and the sea harrier museum, the VMRDA was entrusted with this latest project. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) leased the land to VMRDA, which developed the museum to commemorate the UH-3H's contributions to the Indian Navy and the nation. State ministers V. Anitha and Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, MLAs Vamsi Krishna Srinivas and Vishnu Kumar Raju, GVMC Mayor P. Srinivasa Rao, VMRDA Chairperson Pranav Gopal, and Metropolitan Commissioner K.S. Viswanathan participated in the inauguration. The dignitaries also laid the foundation stone for the upcoming 'Trishul and Damru' project at Kailasagiri hilltop park, with a budget of ₹1.5 crore. The Indian Navy officially bid farewell to the UH-3H after 17 years of service during a de-induction ceremony at INS Dega in June 2024. To honor its legacy, one aircraft was permanently installed in Visakhapatnam to inspire future generations. Navy officials handed over a commemorative plaque to the state government, marking the formal transfer. Nicknamed "Saaras," the UH-3H — also known as the Sea King — was acquired from the United States in 2007 along with INS Jalashwa. A fleet of six helicopters was inducted on March 24, 2009, and served with distinction under INAS 350 Squadron at INS Dega until its de-induction on June 28, 2024. This amphibious, all-weather helicopter featured a semi-monocoque, boat-type hull and an automated folding system for shipboard storage. It had a top speed of 210 km/h, a range of 675 km, and could carry up to 19 passengers. Equipped for anti-submarine warfare, it carried sonar systems, torpedoes, and missiles — and historically, during the Cold War, was capable of carrying a B-57 nuclear bomb. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
A look inside the UH-3H helicopter at Visakhapatnam's new naval aviation museum
Once a soaring sentinel over the seas, the UH-3H helicopter is ready for its next mission. Not in the skies this time, but as a permanent museum exhibit that narrates a gripping chapter of India's naval aviation history, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step inside and experience the world of naval aviators. The Indian Naval Air Squadron 350 de-inducted the last three operational UH-3H helicopters last year. One of them was placed as a museum exhibit in Visakhapatnam. Situated at the Beach Road, the soon-to-be inaugurated UH-3H Helicopter Museum is the latest addition in the maritime museum circuit of Visakhapatnam, the only city in India to have five maritime museums within a 500 metres proximity. The museum, which is expected to be inaugurated shortly during Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu's visit to the city, now joins a distinguished line-up of defence-themed attractions in Visakhapatnam. Just a short walk away, visitors can explore the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, a decommissioned submarine turned immersive exhibit; the TU-142 Aircraft Museum, showcasing a maritime reconnaissance aircraft; and the Sea Harrier Museum, home to the iconic naval fighter jet. Together with the Visakha Maritime Museum – which displays models of naval ships in various sizes and the glass dome of the Pakistan Naval Ship (PNS) Ghazi – these institutions form a compelling corridor of military history along the coast. Set to open its doors to the public soon, the museum will showcase the legacy of the multi-utility UH-3H helicopter, a workhorse of the Indian Navy that has played a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations during natural disasters or emergencies at land/sea. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the museum complements Visakhapatnam's other iconic naval exhibits, which are living galleries of India's maritime and defence prowess. A captivating history Seventeen years of history lies within the new UH-3H museum, which aims to preserve and display historical information related to the helicopter. Managed by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority, the museum offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The entryway from the glass facade opens into a vibrant, well-lit gallery where striking visuals and detailed displays trace the journey of the iconic helicopter. An audio-visual presentation adds a dramatic touch to the experience, transporting visitors into the cockpit of a naval aviator mid-mission. The entryway opens into a spacious area where the UH-3H helicopter stands tall, inviting visitors to step inside and explore its powerful features up close. The walk-through gives a glimpse of the cockpit and the crew compartment, shedding light on the triumphs and challenges of naval aviation. Stellar past The UH-3H helicopter was developed by Sikorsky in the late 1950s and became a pioneering force in naval aviation, especially in anti-submarine warfare. The induction process of the UH-3H helicopters into the Indian Navy began in 2007, with the signing of a contract between India and the United States of America for the purchase of INS Jalashwa, along with six Seaking helicopters (UH-3H). Before being brought to Indian shores, the versatile helicopters were extensively used by the US Navy since the Vietnam War and were last flown during the relief operations for hurricane Katrina in 2005. These robust machines have an endurance of three hours and 45 minutes with a top speed of 120 knots. Post their active service in the US Navy, six of these aircraft were refurbished in Atlanta. The rebirth of the magnificent flying machines was complete as they were placed on the deck of INS Jalashwa, steaming towards its new home, Visakhapatnam. It was inducted into the Indian Navy on March 24, 2009 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam. The aircraft was named after the Indian crane sarus, embodying strength, grace and vigilance. With its remarkable capability to navigate stormy seas and rescue those in peril, the UH-3H helicopter became more than just a machine. It became a lifeline, bringing hope to those in their moments of despair. On June 28 2024, the Indian Navy bid farewell to the UH-3H helicopter after 17 glorious years of service. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, in his farewell speech on the occasion of de-induction ceremony of UH-3H helipcopter said: 'Over these 17 years, the UH-3H has been a symbol of hope for countless men, women and children. The squadron has undertaken numerous HADR missions within the State of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha, which is prone to cyclonic storms and floods,' and added: 'The legendary exploits of UH-3H will remain etched in our memories, inspiring future generations of naval aviators and personnel.' Light and sound show Visakhapatnam's bond with the Indian Navy runs deep, with the Eastern Naval Command headquartered here. In a continuing effort to engage the public, the Navy also hosts a weekly light and sound show every Sunday at the Victory At Sea Memorial (a memorial constructed after the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971) on the Beach Road. Presented in English and Telugu, the show highlights the maritime strength and legacy of the Indian Navy, drawing both locals and tourists in large numbers.
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chief Minister likely to visit Visakhapatnam on April 30 to take part in Chandanotsavam of Simhachalam temple
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is likely to visit Visakhapatnam along with his wife Nara Bhuvaneswari and family members to have a special darshan of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy on the auspicious Chandanotsavam on April 30. He is coming to the city to offer silk robes to the deity on behalf of the State government, according to sources. During the city tour, the Chief Minister is likely to inaugurate some projects like an 11-storey multi-level car parking complex called `Deck' at Siripuram, a UH-3H helicopter museum at RK Beach, and a Ratan Tata Innovation Centre for IT companies on the Deck premises. Before this, the Chief Minister will visit Srikakulam district on April 26, where he will distribute financial assistance to the fishing communities under the Matsyakara Bharosa scheme, at Etcherla Assembly constituency. Speaking to The Hindu, a Cabinet rank (TDP) member said, 'The Chief Minister's visit to Srikakulam is almost confirmed, but we have not received any official communication about the CM's visit to Visakhapatnam as of Monday (April 21). However, we have information that the CM is coming to the city on April 30 for the Chandanotsavam, which is the main purpose of his city visit. On that day, he may formally inaugurate projects like the Deck and the helicopter museum. Otherwise, he may come to the city in the first week of May for the project inaugurations.' On the other hand, Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) Chairman M.V. Pranav Gopal along with his officials on Monday (April 21) inspected the works of the project Deck. On the occasion, he directed his staff to complete any pending work of the Deck by April 26. The VMRDA also developed the UH-3H helicopter museum at a cost of about ₹4 crore including GST. The helicopter was decommissioned from the Indian Navy in 2024 June after 17 years of service. 'We are not clear about the Chief Minister's schedule, but we have told our staff to complete the pending works of our projects by April 26 and get ready for the inauguration whenever that happens,' said Mr. Pranav Gopal. It may be mentioned that the Deck project was finalised in December 2021 and the work began in January 2022. It was planned to be completed in 18 months from the date of signing the agreement with the contractor, but was delayed due to various reasons, including the 2024 elections. The total cost of the project was ₹87.5 crore including 18% GST. VMRDA has invested the lion's share (about ₹60 crore) of the cost of the project. Built on an area of 1.72 acres, the deck will have space commercial establishments like supermarkets and corporate companies. Five floors (1.90 lakh sq ft) will be reserved for parking 430 cars and 400 two-wheelers. Parking will be on three floors from the ground and two floors above. The remaining six floors (1.64 lakh sq ft) will be for commercial establishments. 'If all the parking spaces are occupied, the monthly revenue from vehicle parking will be ₹60 to ₹65 lakh,' a VMRDA official said.
