4.2 NAVAL AVIATION MUSEUM, GOA

The Naval Aviation Museum is a military aviation museum located in Bogmalo, 6 km from Vasco da Gama, Goa, India focused on the history of the Indian Naval Air Arm. The museum is divided into two main parts, an outdoor exhibit and a two-stored indoor gallery. Area: 3.6 Acers

Location: Bogmalo Road, Vasco da Gama, Goa Located on the road to Bogmalo beach, near Dabolim, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, the museum can be easily reached by public or private transport. It has spacious parking for vehicles and the entrance is a few yards from the parking lot. Construction type: Beams and columns Adjacent road width: 9.0m Nos. Of Entrance: 1

Landscape: 60% of the site with Outdoor exhibits & they didn’t develop any particular landscape. They developed existing landscape only. Peak time – January, December & weekends. Capacity of visitors – 100 at a time The museum was founded on 12 October 1998 with a collection of 6 aircraft

The office block is located in the further entrance near the artifact room but has a smaller tourist

guide space and also has ventilation absent.

The museum also houses a photo gallery that commemorates all the major naval battles that have taken place since the formation of the Indian Navy. The freedom struggle of Goa, notably the ‘Operation Vijay’ is depicted by a stunning series of black and white photographs. The museum is a

great place to visit, not only for its uniqueness in subject matter, but also for an in-depth look at the glorious military history of the country. The museum is also meant to inspire people to look to the seas and the skies and their protectors.

There are altogether 13 different aircraft on display at the museum and along with that, there is an area showcasing some of the engines of these magnificent and wonderful winged creations.

Short Sealand Mk 2 (IN 106) – It is the only surviving aircraft of its kind in India and one of three knowns to be in existence in the world. The Sealand was the first aircraft type to be inducted after the establishment of the Directorate of Naval Aviation in 1953. They were phased out in the year 1965.

Fairey Firefly TT Mk1 (IN 112) – It is the sole craft of its type in India, it is also one of 12 still in existence in the World. It was one of the British WW2-era carriers-borne fighter and anti-submarine aircraft. These crafts were acquired in May 1955 for target towing

purposes.

HAL HT-2 (BX 748) – The Navy used the HT-2 as primary trainers from 1956 to 1964. The aircraft which is currently on display has IAF markings.

de Havilland Vampire T-55 (IN 149) – The T55, two-seater variant of the Vampire was procured in September 1957 by the Indian Navy to train Naval airmen on Jet fighter aircrafts before the Navy inducted its Sea Hawks.

Hawker Sea Hawk FGA Mk 100 (IN 234) – The Sea Hawks entered into the naval service along with INS Vikrant, India's first Aircraft carrier and served the country for two decades before eventually being replaced by the Sea Harriers. Breguet Alizé (IN 202) – The Alize was the Navy's first aircraft carrier based AntiSubmarine and Maritime Surveillance (ASM) aircraft and was inducted into the service in

de Havilland Dove (IN 124) – The Dove was procured by the Indian Navy from the Indian Air Force in 1965 to replace the Short Sealands that were being phased out at the time.

HAL Chetak (IN 475) – The Chetak entered the naval service along with the INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) in 1961 primarily for use in training, transport, CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation), communications and liaison roles. It was phased out of use by the Navy in 1986.

Hughes Hu-300 (IN 083) – The Hughes were two-seater helicopters that were inducted into Naval service 1971 for ab-initio training of helicopter pilots and were phased out in the mid 1980’s.

Westland Sea King Mk 42 (IN 505) – The Sea King was procured in 1970 to engage in Anti-Submarine Warfare in the Navy, should such a condition arise. A variant of this helicopter known as the Commando was also adapted by Westland for the transportation of troops in wartime.

Lockheed L1049G Super Constellation (IN 315) – The guardian at the gates as it were, this Lockheed L-1049G was originally delivered to Air India (commercial airline) in 1955 and named "Rani of Ellora". It was transferred to the Indian Air Force in 1961; from there it went on to be lent to the Naval Aviation arm in 1976 and was finally retired in 1983.

Kamov Ka-25 (IN 573) – The Kamov helicopters were commissioned in 1980 and were essentially for use in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). Their secondary role was that of surveillance and Search and Rescue (SAR) duties.

Sea Harrier FRS.51 (IN 621) – The single-seater Sea Harriers and were based both on the INS Vikrant as well as the INS Viraat. These fighter jets were part of the Indian Naval Air Arm and provide reconnaissance, carrier-based strike capability, fleet air defence and anti-submarine warfare.

Some of the main things shown in the indoor galleries include military weapons which were attached to ships and submarines. The attire or uniforms worn by the members of Indian naval Force: One end of gallery showcases the bombs, torpedoes, and cannons used by the Indian navy for defense

purposes.

Inference

-No ramps or any concept of barrier free design. Roof need repair and maintained. -Security measures and fire safety measures are bleak. Danger and escape routes are not clear exits. -Pathways are not clear due to less lighting in the area. -No scope for expansion. -Exhibits need shade and maintained for preservation and conserve. -Aesthetic elements in the museum and contemporary approach is missing and still remains as a nonattractive structure.