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| A unique experience for an enthusiast of aviation
in India would be to pay a visit to the Indian Air Force Museum
at Palam. Situated on the outer suburbs of New Delhi, The capital
of the Indian Republic, the Museum is quite a distance by road
from the centre of the city. But a visit to it is well worth
the effort one puts in reaching it. |
| The only one of its kind in India till the recent
unveiling of the Naval Air Museum in Goa, the IAF Museum offers
an insight not only into the history of the Indian Air Force
but a complete picture of Military aviation in India. Starting
from the initial days when Indian aviators flew for the Royal
Flying Corps during the First World War, right up to the days
of the Kargil Operations. The visitor is regaled with pictures,
mementoes, souvenirs, models, and the actual aircraft themselves. |
| The Museum consists of an Indoor Gallery comprising
of the pictorial history of the Indian Air Force, also holding
showcases of memorabilia, uniforms, personal weapons etc of
different periods. An adjoining hangar gives the visitor the
delight of looking at the actual aircraft of different periods.
Not only aircraft but also equipment like Ordnance, Anti Aircraft
Guns, Vehicles and other assorted items. Some aircraft too large
to be accommodated in the hangar are displayed on the apron
outside. The Outdoor Gallery also offers War trophies, Radar
Equipment and Captured Enemy Vehicles. |
| Off limits to the regular visitor is the Vintage
Aircraft Flight, which services and strives to maintain some
rare examples of aircraft in airworthy conditions. Strapped
of funds, the personnel of IAF Vintage Aircraft Flight do their
best to keep these aircraft flying fit. Also off limits to the
regular visitor is the Transport Aircraft which due to the lack
of hangar space are stationed outside the Museum's limits in
the main apron of Palam Air Station itself. Being an operational
Air Force station, Visitors do not get a glimpse of these magnificent
giants except on the Air Force Day every year when it is thrown
open to all. |
| For those willing to take a part of history
with them to home, the Museum has a small souvenirs corner where
the visitor can get to buy Souvenir T-Shirts, Key Chains, Postal
Covers, Bottle Openers and even Chinaware! |
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