UH-3H Helicopter Museum

## About the Museum The UH-3H Helicopter Museum is the **newest addition** to Visakhapatnam's growing maritime heritage corridor on Beach Road. It showcases the decommissioned **UH-3H "Saaras"** helicopter, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Indian Naval aviation history. ## The UH-3H "Saaras" Helicopter The Sikorsky UH-3H, nicknamed **"Saaras"** (meaning Crane), is an amphibious, all-weather helicopter that served the Indian Navy with distinction. ### Service History - **Acquired**: From the United States in 2007 - **Inducted**: March 2009 under **INAS 350** at INS Dega, Visakhapatnam - **Service Duration**: Approximately 17 years - **De-inducted**: June 2024 - **Fleet Size**: Six helicopters in the Indian Navy fleet ## Missions & Capabilities The UH-3H Saaras was deployed for critical naval operations: - **Search and Rescue (SAR)** operations - **Humanitarian relief** and disaster response - **Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)** - **Special operations** support - **Maritime reconnaissance** ## Museum Experience One helicopter from the fleet has been permanently installed as a museum exhibit: - **Walk-around access** to view the aircraft exterior - **Partial interior access** in some areas - **Information panels** detailing the helicopter's history and missions - **Display of systems and equipment** used in naval operations ## Location The museum is part of Visakhapatnam's famous **maritime museum cluster** on Beach Road, alongside: - INS Kursura Submarine Museum - TU-142 Aircraft Museum - Sea Harrier Museum