Flying wonders

Do airplanes fascinate you? If that is the case, the Aircraft Museum in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is the ideal place for you to visit and learn everything there is to know about aircraft.

This place started as a museum in 2017. It showcases a Soviet-era TU-142M aircraft that the Indian Navy used for 29 years, accumulating 30,000 accident-free flying hours. The aircraft was later decommissioned and transformed into a museum situated at Visakhapatnam's beach, opposite the Submarine museum, making it a fascinating tourist attraction.

A grand affair

The conversion of the TU-142M aircraft into a museum totalled an investment of about INR 3.5 crore. The comprehensive project development, carried out by the Andhra Pradesh government, came to a total expenditure of INR 14 crore. The TU-142M aircraft boasts an unparalleled record of 30,000 accident-free flying hours during its tenure with the Navy. This Aircraft Museum now welcomes approximately 2,000 tourists everyday, with numbers reaching around 4,000 on holidays and weekends.

Experience the 'Pride of Visakhapatnam'

The TU 142 Naval Aircraft Museum is often called the “Pride of Visakhapatnam City”. The museum tour is a delight for people who love history, people who go sightseeing, experience seekers and people who are very curious to know in depth about the lives of people who join the Navy. The museum is located on the beach road and it gives people an opportunity to closely experience an old Indian Navy aircraft that has been used in the past.

People of all age groups find the museum fascinating. The exhibition hall of the museum contains old equipment like survival kits, engines, data recorders, propellers, anti-submarine missiles and sonobuoys. To help you understand the equipment better, the museum authorities have displayed information in depth. Apart from this, visitors also get an opportunity to try VR rides. These rides might be a bit expensive but they are definitely worth trying. You can enjoy a flight simulator platform through VR headsets.

Overall, TU 142 Naval Aircraft Museum is a museum that cannot be missed when you are visiting Visakhapatnam. The museum can provide great exposure to kids. So if you are travelling to Visakhapatnam with your family then make sure children in your family visit this place.

The TU 142 Naval Aircraft Museum has an entry fee of INR 70 for adults and INR 40 for children which also includes a free audio guide. You can visit the museum on all days of the week.

Timings

Opening time - 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday till Friday

Closing time - 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM on Weekends

Things to remember

You are not allowed to click pictures inside the aircraft, however, you can click pictures of the museum. If you are visiting with a group, the officials will provide you with complete guidance about the museum. However, if you’re alone, you can enjoy it through an audio tour of the Aircraft Museum. Do not carry eatables inside the aircraft as it is prohibited.

Add to your itinerary

INS Kurusura Submarine Museum is another museum that you can plan to explore after enjoying your visit to the Aircraft Museum. It is a wonderful destination for history lovers to know about the submariners’ lives in detail. Just a few steps away from TU 142 Naval Aircraft Museum is Ramakrishna Beach. You can enjoy your time with crystal clear splashing water. Constructed in 1996, Victory at Sea War Memorial is a destination to pay respect and tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives for our country. People visit the place to acknowledge the contribution of soldiers towards the country.