UH 3 H Helicopter Museum. Vishakhapatnam.

 UH 3 H Helicopter Museum.Vishakhapatnam.

Andhra Pradesh Government and Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA). Had conceived a very ambitious plan to transform an ordinary Rama Krishna Beach Road, RK Road for short, into a world-class tourist attraction.

The Indian Navy has played a stellar role in turning that vision into reality. The Indian Navy brought its decommissioned war machines, which in their heyday had served valiantly in defending the sovereignty of the Nation, to Visakhapatnam, disassembled them in the Naval Station, and transported them to RK Road and reassembled them on the land allotted to create four magnificent museums with these war machines as their respective themes.

Thanks to the Indian Navy, today, RK Road is a world-class and a must-visit tourist attraction of Visakhapatnam.

UH3H Museum is one of the four Naval Museums. It is dedicated to the Sikorsky UH3H Helicopter.

This Helicopter type was inducted into the Indian Navy Aviation Squadron 350 in 2009. The unit was located in the Indian naval ship Dega at Visakhapatnam Airport. The Helicopter was christened “Saaras”, an  Indian crane, embodying strength, grace, and vigilance. A reminder of the Indian Navy's commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting the nation. The mighty Saras also forms the crest of 350 Squadron.

As in the other three museums where real war machines, viz, A Submarine, a TU 142 and a Sea Harrier Fighter Aircraft, are displayed, in the UH3H museum, a very well-maintained UH3H Helicopter is on display.

However, unlike the other two aircraft museums, the Saaras Museum has almost no spares or any of the major or minor helicopter parts on display. This shortcoming, if it can be called as such, is more than made up by the huge and extensive photographic and descriptive boards mounted throughout the museum.

These boards, photographs, and narrative trace the history of UH3H, Saaras Helicopter, from the first time when it operated on an Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa in 2007 till the year 2024 when it was decommissioned from the Indian Naval Aviation wing after rendering yeoman service for thirty-four-odd years of long service in various roles, such as in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations,  its advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities and tactical support were vital during natural disasters, often making the difference between despair and relief, and saving countless lives and its contribution to security of offshore installations and special operations.

These boards with their photographs and narratives speak volumes about the historical sense and perspective of the Indian Navy in general and Number 350 squadron in particular. Hats off to them for maintaining such a meticulous record of the life of Saaras in the Indian Navy.

A wonderful experience.

PS

For more comprehensive information about Saras checkout the photocaptions.

UH 3 H Museum Vishakhapatnam.

Sikorsky UH-3H helicopter that had been part of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) for the past two decades, and now a decommissioned Sikorsky UH-3H helicopter. This helicopter was inducted into the INAS 350 Squadron and christened ‘Saaras’ on March 24, 2009, at INS Dega. 

It was decommissioned on June 28, 2024.

The helicopter was disassembled at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam, transported to the site and assembled again.

This displays, through its various panels gives  complete history of Sikorsky 

UH-3H-"SAARAS", including the photographs of the helicopter.

Throughout its life in the Indian Navy. A commendable effort in 'history' preservation.

Copy of the text of one of the panels

UH-3H-"SAARAS" is produced below.

The aircraft was named after the Indian crane, Saras, embodying strength, grace, and vigilance.  A reminder of the Indian Navy's commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting the nation

Brought to Indian shores in 2007 along with INS Jalashwa, the UH-3H helicopter was inducted into the Indian Navy on 24 Mar 2009 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.

This versatile helicopter played a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, security of offshore installations and special operations. Its advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) capabilities and tactical support were vital during natural disasters, often making the difference between despair and relief, and saving countless lives. The mighty 'SAARAS' adorns the squadron crest, embodying the motto "Strength, Valour and perseverance." The Helicopter diligently upheld its commitment, maintaining a vigilant watch and ensuring the security of our nation's maritime boundaries with unwavering dedication.

UH-3H helicopter soared into the Indian sky as a symbol of unwavering strength, resilience, and unyielding service. 

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, the helicopter found its second home in India, where it quickly earned a reputation as a lifesaver in most of the challenging missions. Its induction into the Indian Navy in 2007 marked the beginning of a legendary chapter - one filled with daring rescues, heroic operations, and unwavering dedication to humanitarian cases.

In March 2009, the Indian Navy formally commissioned its first operational squadron of UH-3H, INAS 350, into service. helicopter immediately demonstrated its versatility by performing Search and Rescue (SAR) and HADR missions, over land and sea, where its heavy-lifting capability proved indispensable.

The capability to navigate stormy seas and rescue those in peril, the UH-3H "Saaras" became more than just a machine; it became a lifeline, bringing hope to those in their moments of despair. Whether battling cyclones, evacuating stranded civilians, or delivering vital relief, the "SAARAS" truly embodied the Navy's motto "Sham No Tunah" (May the Lord of the Sea Be Auspicious Unto Us) and lived up to its legacy of saving lives and bridging the gap between despair and hope.

Another display, " Walk of the King of the Legend" showing the history, how it progressed through the years 2009 to 2024, in the service of the Indian Navy of the Uh3H helicopter squadron.

The Saaras and its legacy display. Wonderful photographic collection of Saaras performing its various roles.

At the Sikorsky UH-3H helicopter Museum.

At the Sikorsky UH-3H helicopter Museum.

the Sikorsky UH-3H helicopte.

At the Sikorsky UH-3H helicopter Museum.

 

TU-142 Aircraft Museum, RK Beach Road, Vishakhapatnam..

 TU-142 Aircraft Museum, RK Beach Road, Visakhapatnam.

Andhra Pradesh Government and Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA). Had conceived a very ambitious plan to transform an ordinary Rama Krishna Beach Road, RK Road for short, into a world-class tourist attraction. The Indian Navy has played a stellar role in turning that vision into reality. The Indian Navy brought its decommissioned war machines, which in their heyday had served valiantly in defending the sovereignty of the Nation, to Visakhapatnam, disassembled them in the Naval Station, and transported them to RK Road and reassembled them on the land allotted to create four magnificent museums with these war machines as their respective themes. Thanks to the Indian Navy, today, RK Road is a world-class and a must-visit tourist attraction of Visakhapatnam.

When the Navy went for modernisation and was re-equipped with better aircraft for Maritime Reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, TU-142, four-engined turboprop aircraft of Russian origin, were decommissioned and disposed of as per existing procedures. One of the aircraft, tail number IN 312, a decommissioned TU 142, was flown in from the Navy's Arakkonam base to Visakhapatnam International Airport, dismantled, and transported to RK Beach Road. “ TU 142 Aircraft Museum” is built around the very same aircraft.

The museum, in addition to this real TU 142 aircraft, has many aircraft parts, instruments, and one of the engines on display with information boards. 

Photographs and information boards give the history and the stellar role played by this versatile aircraft in the wars fought by India.

The museum is well-maintained. 

Visitors, mainly those who do not have any knowledge of the role of the Indian Navy in general and Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine warfare aircraft, in particular, will emerge as much better-informed people.

Very informative and well worth a visit.

TU 142 Aircraft Museum.

At TU 142 Aircraft Museum.

The years 1988, 1992, and 2017 mark the core milestones of the TU-142M "Albatross" aircraft's lifecycle in the Indian Navy:

• 1988 (Induction): The TU-142M was formally inducted into the Indian Navy's INAS 312 squadron on April 16, 1988, at INS Hansa, Goa. 
• 1992 (Relocation): To align with India's Look East policy and secure the eastern maritime boundary, the squadron permanently relocated its base to INS Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, in April 1992.
• 2017 (De-induction): After nearly three decades of service, the iconic "Flying Destroyer" was officially decommissioned and de-inducted on March 29, 2017, at INS Rajali, making way for the modern Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft. 

At TU 142 Aircraft Museum.

Pilot Station.  Partially reconstructed cockpit of TU 142 aircraft.At TU 142 Aircraft Museum.

Escape Mural. At TU142 Aircraft Museum.

Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprop engine on display at the TU 142 aircraft Museum. The Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-12MV or NK-12MP turboprop engines. Each engine produces approximately 14,795 to 15,000 shaft horsepower (11,033 kW) and drives distinctive eight-blade contra-rotating, reversible-pitch AV-60N propellers.

Unveiling the fin model of TU 142 by the Hon'ble President of India. The fin and Rudder assembly with the Albetross logo on display in the background. At TU 142 Museum.

The Tupolev Tu-142 is a Soviet/Russian maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. 

 The Tu-142 was designed by the Tupolev design bureau and manufactured by the Kuibyshev Aviation and Taganrog Machinery Plants from 1968 to 1994. 

Developed in response to the American Polaris programme, the Tu-142 grew out of the need for a viable Soviet ASW platform. The Tu-142's capability was incrementally improved while the type was in service, eventually resulting in the Tu-142M3, the final long-range Tu-142 with highly sophisticated combat avionics and a large payload.

View of the top portion of the starboard wing and the starboard side of the fuselage.At TU 142 Museum.

At TU 142 Aircraft Museum.

The TU 142 Aircraft Museum is a preserved Tupolev Tu-142 located in Visakhapatnam, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Built as part of Vizag city tourism promotion, it was formally inaugurated by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in December 2017 

Service 

This aircraft served 29 years with the Indian Navy and had 30,000 hours of accident-free flying by the time of its retirement on 29 March 2017 at INS Rajali, Arakkonam. 

The aircraft was flown from Arkonam to Vishakhapatnam airport, disassembled 

transported to the museum site and assembled again. 

Aircraft Museum 

The Government of Andhra Pradesh decided to preserve the aircraft in a museum. The project development cost was around ₹ 14 crores, which was funded by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

The Tupolev Tu-142 is a Soviet/Russian maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. 

The Tu-142 was designed by the Tupolev design bureau and manufactured by the Kuibyshev Aviation and Taganrog Machinery Plants from 1968 to 1994. 

Developed in response to the American Polaris programme, the Tu-142 grew out of the need for a viable Soviet ASW platform. The Tu-142's capability was incrementally improved while the type was in service, eventually resulting in the Tu-142M3, the final long-range Tu-142 with highly sophisticated combat avionics and a large payload.

Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprop engine on display at TU 142 aircraft Museum. 

The Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft is powered by four Kuznetsov NK-12MV or NK-12MP turboprop engines. Each engine produces approximately 14,795 to 15,000 shaft horsepower (11,033 kW) and drives distinctive eight-blade contra-rotating, reversible-pitch AV-60N propellers.

Kursura Submarine Museum. Vishakhapatnam Trip 27 - 22 Jan 26.

Kursura Submarine Museum.

Andhra Pradesh Government and Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA). Had conceived a very ambitious plan to transform an ordinary Rama Krishna Beach Road, RK Road for short, into a world-class tourist attraction. The Indian Navy has played a stellar role in turning that vision into reality. The Indian Navy brought its decommissioned war machines, which in their heyday had served valiantly in defending the sovereignty of the Nation, to Visakhapatnam, disassembled them in the Naval Station, and transported them to RK Road and reassembled them on the land allotted to create four magnificent museums with these war machines as their respective themes. Thanks to the Indian Navy, today, RK Road is a world-class and a must-visit tourist attraction of Visakhapatnam.

Of all the four Naval Museums, the Kursura Submarine Museum is at the extreme North-Eastern end of RK Beach Road and the Sea Harrier Museum at the south-western end. 

 Generally, people start at either one of them and cover all four museums. 

We started from the Kursura Submarine Museum and worked southwards to the Sea Harrier Museum.

The rates for the Kursura Submarine Museum were Rs 100/- per adult. Further reading of the rate list revealed that the entry fee per adult for all four museums was onlyRs 200/-. We bought the tickets for all four museums. 

The Kursura Submarine Museum is a real decommissioned Indian Navy submarine, literally manhandled from the sea and brought to its present beach location, which was provided and prepared by VMRDA. The Submarine was extensively reworked for easy access and to make it fit to be presented as a real submarine museum. 

One can only guess at the Herculean effort it must have taken to manhandle it on the beach and convert it to a museum.

INS Kursura was a Kalvari-class diesel-electric submarine of the Indian Navy.

Kasura was commissioned on 18 December 1969 and was decommissioned on 27 February 2001 after 31 years of service. 

It participated in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, where it played a key role in patrol missions. It later participated in naval exercises with other nations and made many goodwill visits to other countries.

After decommissioning, it was dedicated to the Nation by the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on 9 August 2002 and was preserved as a museum for public access from 24 August 2002. Kursura has the distinction of being one of the very few submarine museums to retain originality.

Despite being a decommissioned submarine, she still receives the navy's "Dressing Ship" honour, which is usually awarded only to active ships.

Entry in the submarine is so regulated that at one time, only 40 people are allowed inside the Submarine.

Entry is through a door accessed by a steel ladder located at the forward end of the submarine, and exit is through the rear end of the submarine. 

During this walk through the entire length of the Kursura, as the public traverses through all of its seven main compartments, which include the torpedo room, crew cabins, and control room, engine compartment, navigation console visitor becomes acutely aware of the lack of space the cramped areas and the closed, clustrophobic surroundings the public becomes aware the harsh and demanding working conditions of a Naval Submariner. 

Visiting the Kursura Submarine was an illuminating experience.

To know all about the Kursura, Kaveri Class (variant of the Foxtrot-class) diesel-electric submarine of the Indian Navy, go through the captions of the attached photographs

INS Kursura (S20) was a Kalvari-class (variant of the Foxtrot-class) diesel-electric submarine of the Indian Navy. It was India's fourth submarine. Kursura was commissioned on 18 December 1969 and was decommissioned on 27 February 2001 after 31 years of service. It participated in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, where it played a key role in patrol missions. It later participated in naval exercises with other nations and made many goodwill visits to other countries.

Only 40 at one time in the submarine.

At the Kursura Museum.

After decommissioning, It was dedicated to the Nation by the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on 9 August 2002 and was preserved as a museum for public access from 24 August 2002, making its final journey to Visakhapatnam on RK Beach. 

The INS Kursura is divided into six main compartments. 

These sections showcase the operational and living areas of the former Soviet-built Foxtrot-class submarine, including the torpedo rooms, crew quarters, and galley. 

Key Compartments and Features:

Forward & Rear Torpedo Rooms: Houses the submarine's weapon systems.

Living Quarters: Features crew sleeping quarters, captain's cabin, and dining areas.

Operational Areas: Includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

INS Kursura has a length of 91.3 m (300 ft) overall, a beam of 7.5 m (25 ft) and a draught of 6 m (20 ft). She displaces 1,950 t (1,919 long tons) surfaced, 2,475 t (2,436 long tons) submerged, and has a maximum diving depth of 985 ft (300 m). 

The crew complement is about 75, including 8 officers and 67 sailors.

Armament 10 × 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes with 22 Type 53 torpedoes

Inside INS Kursura. Operational Compartment.

Forward Torpedo Room: Houses the submarine's weapon systems.

The whole space is jam-packed. Totally cramped.

Inside INS Kursura.Operational Compartment.

Forward Torpedo Room: Houses the submarine's weapon systems.

Lack of free room 

The loo on board  INS Kursura. The loo. Just about fits. No elbow room 😊

Entering another of the six compartments.

Inside INS Kursura. Top, bottom and all sides, all full of pipes, cables and other equipment.

Inside INS Kursura. Loo on one side, wash-'space' on the other side. Tight fit here as well.

Note the terminology, 'space' & not 'basin'.

Inside INS Kursura.

Operational Area includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

Inside INS Kursura.

Operational Area includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

N6 10M Sonar set(Passive) to detect ships and submarines by their underwater noise.

Living Quarters: Includes crew sleepingquarters, captain's cabin, and dining areas

These are spread all over the sbumrine. Wherever they found space, they put the beds.

Living Quarters: Two on the left side, four on the right side. These are spread all over the sbumrine. Wherever they found space, they put the beds. Living Quarters includes crew sleeping quarters, the captain's cabin, and dining areas. 

Inside INS Kursura. The dining area. 

Living Quarters:  Features crew sleeping quarters, captain's cabin, and dining areas.

Inside INS Kursura. Compartment blower space.

Operational Areas: Includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

Inside INS Kursura. Chart House. Main navigation Complex. Also note the cramped position of the Navigation Officer.

Operational Areas: Includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

Inside INS Kursura. Look at the complexities and 'crowding' of the pipes and valves.

Operational Areas: Includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

Inside INS Kursura. Look at the complexities and 'crowding' of the pipes and valves.

Operational Areas: Includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

Inside INS Kursura. Snort Mast. Provides fresh air from the atmosphere at periscope depth for diesel engine.

Operational Areas: Includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

Inside INS Kursura. Radio Receiver. Communications Room. 

Operational Areas: Includes engines, pumps, and surveillance equipment.

Inside INS Kursura. Crests of Indian Submarines on display in the 

Living Quarters.

Inside INS Kursura. Space for tinned provisions. Living Quarters.

Inside INS Kursura. the Galley/ cooking area. Living Quarters.

Inside INS Kursura. Main diesel (central)  engine. Type 2D 42 M of 2000 horsepower. Used for propulsion and battery charging.Operational Area.

Inside INS Kursura. Main diesel (central)  engine. Type 2D 42 M of 2000 horsepower. Used for propulsion and battery charging.Operational Area.

Inside INS Kursura. Another loo/water closet/ Lavatory. 

No better than the other one. Living quarters.

After a very entertaining and learning experience exiting from INS Kursura.

Khandekars at Kursura Museum.

Tatwawadis at Kursura Museum.

At the Kursura Museum.

The Kursura Museum.

At the Kursura Museum.