Visakhapatnam Unveils New Naval Aviation Museum: From Sky to Shore

Get ready to soar into history on Visakhapatnam’s iconic Beach Road! The city has unveiled its newest attraction: a decommissioned UH-3H helicopter, beautifully transformed into an interactive museum. Once a proud workhorse of the Indian skies, this aircraft now offers an incredible opportunity for visitors to delve into the vital missions and daily lives of our courageous naval aviators.

Imagine the spectacle as this massive UH-3H, recently de-inducted by the Indian Naval Air Squadron 350 in 2024, was meticulously guided onto its seafront display. Engineers and naval personnel worked tirelessly with heavy-duty cranes to ensure its perfect placement, marking a significant addition to the city’s proud maritime landscape.

This new UH-3H Museum is more than just a standalone exhibit; it’s the latest jewel in Visakhapatnam’s impressive chain of naval museums. Located just a short stroll from the renowned INS Kursura Submarine Museum, the majestic TU-142 Aircraft Museum, the agile Sea Harrier Museum, and the comprehensive Visakha Maritime Museum, it completes a captivating coastal journey through India’s rich defense and maritime heritage. Each site adds a unique perspective to our nation’s naval traditions.

Step inside the newly opened UH-3H Helicopter Museum and embark on a fascinating journey. A welcoming glass-fronted entrance leads you through engaging galleries, where vibrant photographs, informative panels, and compelling audio-visual presentations narrate the helicopter’s illustrious history. The experience culminates with the star of the show itself—the UH-3H aircraft—positioned invitingly for you to explore its intricate interior. Get a firsthand look at the crew compartment and cockpit, gaining a tangible sense of its operational grandeur.

Originally engineered by Sikorsky for the United States Navy, the versatile UH-3H helicopters provided decades of distinguished service. The Indian Navy acquired six refurbished aircraft alongside INS Jalashwa in 2009, proudly stationing them at INS Dega. Affectionately known as ‘Saaras,’ these powerful machines were instrumental in critical search and rescue operations and delivered crucial humanitarian aid during devastating cyclones and floods across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Now, beautifully preserved against the backdrop of the city’s shoreline, the UH-3H Museum proudly rounds out Visakhapatnam’s extraordinary maritime circuit. It stands as a powerful testament to naval service, connecting stories of heroism and innovation across land, sea, and, now, the air.

Wings at rest: The Sikorsky UH-3H Sea King is positioned prominently along Beach Road in Visakhapatnam.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

At work: Engineers and naval staff guide the Sikorsky UH-3H into place, ensuring it is securely mounted for public display.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

Safe landing: Eastern Naval Command personnel position the UH-3H helicopter on its seafront pedestal, adding a new exhibit to Visakhapatnam’s maritime corridor.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

Preserving the legacy: The UH-3H, part of INAS 350 Saaras Squadron and decommissioned at INS Dega in June 2024, served for decades.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

Final touchdown: The Sikorsky UH-3H nears its final position.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

All set: Naval personnel prepare the UH-3H interiors ahead of its display, allowing visitors to explore the cockpit and crew compartment.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

On display: The Sikorsky UH-3H Sea King positioned on Beach Road, inviting visitors to experience its operational interiors and history.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

Walk through history: Tourists explore the newly inaugurated UH-3H Helicopter Museum, part of Visakhapatnam’s extended maritime corridor near the TU-142 Aircraft and Kursura Submarine Museums.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

View from the sky: An aerial view of the UH-3H Helicopter Museum. It has galleries with photographs, panels, and audio-visual materials that outline the helicopter’s history.
Photo: K.R. Deepak

Museum trail: A glimpse of Visakhapatnam’s maritime corridor, featuring the Sea Harrier Museum, UH-3H Helicopter Museum, TU-142 Aircraft Museum, and INS Kursura Submarine Museum.
Photo: K.R. Deepak