Want to fly an aircraft without a license and experience the thrill without fear? Did you know HAL produced buses and train coaches in early 50s? Want to see the black-box of an airplane which is actually orange? Or just want to be amid old trees and green surroundings where real planes and helicopters are on display? Please head to HAL
Established by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on August 30, 2001, the aviation museum is spread over 10 acres of lush green land. “It is indeed a rare tourist attraction in the city. You can see a dozen aircraft models, Satellite Launch vehicles (GSLV, PSLV) and fly the aircraft on simulators”, says Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL. “We have done some modifications in last few months so that the history and the achievements of the country in aeronautics are displayed in eye-catching ways”, he adds. “Bangalore is not just the IT capital of India but aerospace hub as well. One should not miss this museum, the experience of which is as good as that of being at Lalbaug or any other tourist place in the city”, says a visitor, an engineering student from Pune.
In fact, it is completely different experience to be at this place when one goes through the rare photographs, audio visual shows and sees magnificent planes on static display. Although HAL airport does not operate commercial aircraft anymore, panoramic view of the landing and take-off of various aircraft and helicopters could still be experienced as chartered and test flights take-off and land regularly. The entire stretch of runway could be seen from this dummy air-tower.
The museum is a repertoire of knowledge for more studious and academically minded as it houses a library on aerospace and traces the development of the industry’s exciting phases since 1940. “With so much happening in aerospace industry, it is important not to lose sight of the past. Our aim is to preserve the history of aeronautics and we are happy that museum elucidates so much interest and has become part of tourist attraction in Bangalore”, adds Dr. Tyagi.
There are two major halls, one displaying photographs that chart the growth of aviation in each decade from 1940 till date. The second hall displays motorized cross section models of aero engines, highlighting various functions of the engines. Some real engines such as Garrett (used on Dornier), Adour (powers Jaguar) and Orpheus (used on Kiran) could be seen in operation. Very few people know that HAL produced buses for the erstwhile Mysore kingdom and there is a mural depicting this scene dated January 29, 1955! Besides displaying aircraft and aviation models, this hall also demonstrates air traffic control model and PC based flight simulation.
According to Mr. Nagarajan M., the architect who works with HAL’s Facilities Management Division, the museum has got the prize possession of 15 types of flying machines on static display. Efforts are made to place more aircraft on display including the much talked about fighter aircraft, Su-30 MkI. “People get curious when they see all this”, he adds.
Curious or not, visitors seem to get excited when they see actual line parachute along-side a plane. There is also ATC radar perched with L-band surveillance radar having a range of 200 nautical miles which rotates at a speed of 3-4 RPM, with the frequency of 1250-1350 Mhz. In addition, PSLV model and PSLV heat shield are displayed to give a glimpse of forays made by the country in the space technology.
“We would like to upgrade the museum on continuous basis and therefore thinking of introducing latest flight simulators, interactive display kiosks, and uplift the audio-video room with the latest facilities”, says Dr. Tyagi. “We would like to go for motion simulator to accentuate the user experience by giving a very realistic feel of flying fighter jet and commercial aircraft”, he adds.
On the other hand, kiosks would provide information to the visitors by interactively engaging them in the process. “We will try to have these kiosks with right layouts and interface system”, says Mr. S.N. Ramnathpur, Chief Manager, Civil. One suggestion is to customize the content of each kiosk to the specific area of the museum, he adds. According to him, the museum received the much needed face-lift recently with new paints, colors and signage.
Some of the future plans include establishment of orchidarium and herbal garden to add beauty to the existing landscape. The challenge would be to create and maintain extremely hot and cold conditions for orchidarium for flowers and plants to grow and sustain. An area of 200 sq meter area has been suggested to begin this experiment and may take some time to conceive and implement. Apart from this, children’s play area and a sustainability development park may also come up in the campus. The sustainability park will aim to educate visitors and students by displaying mock-up models of solar systems, bio-gas plants and hybrid wind mill.
The museum is it not just a place for fun, frolic and education, rather it is instrumental in chronicling the achievements of India in the aerospace sector by showcasing the growth of the Indian aviation industry and HAL for nearly eight decades. The entry fee is low at Rs. 30 per person (whatever the age) and the museum is kept open to public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days. “There is no holiday for us”, says the caretaker P.K. Jayarajan. He points out that there is cafeteria, rose garden, aquarium and fountain display to keep the visitors’ interest alive in case they get tired after going around a large area. These visitors can also buy airplane models, t-shirts, caps and have their pictures embossed on cups as memorabilia at the souvenir shop in the museum campus, all at a reasonable price!
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