India's second Naval Aircraft Museum is now in Kolkata! Have you checked it out yet?

Envisioning to build attraction zones near the Kolkata gate at New Town, KMDA had initiated this military aircraft exhibition in a sprawling 2 acre land beside the New Town Police Station. Initially expected to open for public around mid 2020, the project was delayed due to pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Finally Chief Minister, Smt Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the museum on 9th of June, 2022.

The "Bear"

A decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142M maritime reconnaissance aircraft was brought in pieces from INS Rajali, Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu, on sixteen trucks. The pieces were assembled and the awe-inspiring super-structure was parked on a runway-like structure built solely for showcasing the aircraft in full grandeur. The aircraft is referred to as the "Bear" by NATO.

Designed by the Tupulev Design Bureau of the erstwhile USSR, Tu-142s are well equipped to trail submarines.

The massive aircraft with four engines and eight propellers, had served the Indian Navy for 29 years between 1988 and 2017. Nicknamed "Albatross", for the exceptionally wide span of its wings, this was the heaviest and longest turbo propeller ever made in the world. It could be refueled mid air, giving it unprecedented advantage in maritime reconnaissance and combat operations. With fuel consumption of 6ton/ hour and top speed of upto 900kmph, this was a beast of an aircraft in the skies. The gunners positioned at the tail of the aircraft had special guns with a capacity to fire 8-inch bullets at the rate of 1200 rounds/minute. This anti-submarine aircraft was a valuable member of the Indian Navy.

The Experience:

The experience of entering a fighter aircraft and watching the interiors first-hand is an incredible one. Visitors are allowed to board the aircraft and walk right into the cockpit. Entry is free for students. General Public need to purchase a ticket of Rs. 30 only. Developed by KMDA and owned by HIDCO, the museum has been set up at an estimated cost of Rs 10-11 crore. The museum remains open from 2.30 pm to 8.30 pm on the weekdays and from 12 noon to 8.30 pm on the weekends. It remains closed on Mondays for maintenance.

HIDCO has built a park for children, games arena, landscaped zones and ticketing booth along with refreshment counters. There is a kids' playing zone with activities that are modelled on the training program of military person.

The Aircraft Museum, is now a landmark amongst Kolkata's tourist hotspots. It offers great recreation opportunity for families living in and around Kolkata.

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