Once a soaring sentinel over the seas, the UH-3H helicopter is ready for its next mission. Not in the skies this time, but as a permanent museum exhibit that narrates a gripping chapter of India’s naval aviation history, offering visitors a rare opportunity to step inside and experience the world of naval aviators.

The Indian Naval Air Squadron 350 de-inducted the last three operational UH-3H helicopters last year. One of them was placed as a museum exhibit in Visakhapatnam. Situated at the Beach Road, the soon-to-be inaugurated UH-3H Helicopter Museum is the latest addition in the maritime museum circuit of Visakhapatnam, the only city in India to have five maritime museums within a 500 metres proximity.

The museum, which is expected to be inaugurated shortly during Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s visit to the city, now joins a distinguished line-up of defence-themed attractions in Visakhapatnam. Just a short walk away, visitors can explore the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, a decommissioned submarine turned immersive exhibit; the TU-142 Aircraft Museum, showcasing a maritime reconnaissance aircraft; and the Sea Harrier Museum, home to the iconic naval fighter jet. Together with the Visakha Maritime Museum – which displays models of naval ships in various sizes and the glass dome of the Pakistan Naval Ship (PNS) Ghazi – these institutions form a compelling corridor of military history along the coast.

Set to open its doors to the public soon, the museum will showcase the legacy of the multi-utility UH-3H helicopter, a workhorse of the Indian Navy that has played a crucial role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations during natural disasters or emergencies at land/sea.

Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, the museum complements Visakhapatnam’s other iconic naval exhibits, which are living galleries of India’s maritime and defence prowess.

A captivating history

Seventeen years of history lies within the new UH-3H museum, which aims to preserve and display historical information related to the helicopter. Managed by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority, the museum offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

An inside view of the UH-3H helicopter museum complex, which will soon be inaugurated at the Beach Road, adding to the maritime museum circuit at the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

The entryway from the glass facade opens into a vibrant, well-lit gallery where striking visuals and detailed displays trace the journey of the iconic helicopter. An audio-visual presentation adds a dramatic touch to the experience, transporting visitors into the cockpit of a naval aviator mid-mission. The entryway opens into a spacious area where the UH-3H helicopter stands tall, inviting visitors to step inside and explore its powerful features up close. The walk-through gives a glimpse of the cockpit and the crew compartment, shedding light on the triumphs and challenges of naval aviation.

Stellar past

The UH-3H helicopter was developed by Sikorsky in the late 1950s and became a pioneering force in naval aviation, especially in anti-submarine warfare. The induction process of the UH-3H helicopters into the Indian Navy began in 2007, with the signing of a contract between India and the United States of America for the purchase of INS Jalashwa, along with six Seaking helicopters (UH-3H).

Before being brought to Indian shores, the versatile helicopters were extensively used by the US Navy since the Vietnam War and were last flown during the relief operations for hurricane Katrina in 2005. These robust machines have an endurance of three hours and 45 minutes with a top speed of 120 knots. Post their active service in the US Navy, six of these aircraft were refurbished in Atlanta. The rebirth of the magnificent flying machines was complete as they were placed on the deck of INS Jalashwa, steaming towards its new home, Visakhapatnam. It was inducted into the Indian Navy on March 24, 2009 at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam.

The aircraft was named after the Indian crane sarus, embodying strength, grace and vigilance. With its remarkable capability to navigate stormy seas and rescue those in peril, the UH-3H helicopter became more than just a machine. It became a lifeline, bringing hope to those in their moments of despair.

Personnel of Eastern Naval Command setting up a Sikorsky UH-3H seaking helicopter to add to the maritime corridor on the Beach Road near TU-142 aircraft in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

On June 28 2024, the Indian Navy bid farewell to the UH-3H helicopter after 17 glorious years of service. Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, in his farewell speech on the occasion of de-induction ceremony of UH-3H helipcopter said: “Over these 17 years, the UH-3H has been a symbol of hope for countless men, women and children. The squadron has undertaken numerous HADR missions within the State of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha, which is prone to cyclonic storms and floods,” and added: “The legendary exploits of UH-3H will remain etched in our memories, inspiring future generations of naval aviators and personnel.”

Light and sound show

People watching the light and sound show depicting the 1971 India Pakistan war, sacrifice of defence personnel, and the role of Eastern Naval Command (ENC) at ‘Victory at Sea’, on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

Visakhapatnam’s bond with the Indian Navy runs deep, with the Eastern Naval Command headquartered here. In a continuing effort to engage the public, the Navy also hosts a weekly light and sound show every Sunday at the Victory At Sea Memorial (a memorial constructed after the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971) on the Beach Road. Presented in English and Telugu, the show highlights the maritime strength and legacy of the Indian Navy, drawing both locals and tourists in large numbers.