The UH-3H helicopter, once active in Indian skies, has now been installed as a museum exhibit on Beach Road, Visakhapatnam. De-inducted by the Indian Naval Air Squadron 350 in 2024, the aircraft introduces visitors to the operations and responsibilities of naval aviators through an accessible display of interiors. It was positioned on its seafront pedestal with the help of a heavy-duty crane, guided into place under the supervision of engineers and naval staff.
The UH-3H Museum is the newest link to Visakhapatnam’s distinctive sequence of maritime museums. Within a short distance stand the INS Kursura Submarine Museum, the TU-142 Aircraft Museum, the Sea Harrier Museum, and the Visakha Maritime Museum. Together, they create a continuous coastal corridor of naval history, each site contributing a separate aspect of India’s defence and maritime traditions.
Inside the newly inaugurated UH-3H helicopter Museum, a glass-fronted entrance leads into galleries with photographs, panels, and audio-visual materials that outline the helicopter’s history. The exhibition culminates with the aircraft itself, positioned for visitors to explore its interior. The arrangement allows them to observe the crew compartment and cockpit in detail, providing a practical sense of its operational use.
Originally designed by Sikorsky for the United States Navy, the UH-3H helicopters served for decades. Six refurbished aircraft, acquired alongside INS Jalashwa, were inducted into the Indian Navy in 2009 and stationed at INS Dega. Known as Saaras, these aircraft undertook search and rescue duties and humanitarian assistance during cyclones and floods in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Now preserved on the city’s shoreline, the UH-3H Museum completes Visakhapatnam’s maritime circuit, offering a connected record of naval service across land, sea, and air.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
Wings at rest: The Sikorsky UH-3H Sea King is positioned prominently along the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
At work: Engineers and naval staff guide the Sikorsky UH-3H into place, ensuring it is securely mounted for public display.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
Safe landing: Eastern Naval Command personnel position the UH-3H helicopter on its seafront pedestal, adding a new exhibit to Visakhapatnam’s maritime corridor.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
Preserving the legacy: The UH-3H, part of INAS 350 Saaras Squadron and decommissioned at INS Dega in June 2024, served for decades.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
Final touchdown: The Sikorsky UH-3H nears its final position.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
All set: Naval personnel prepare the UH-3H interiors ahead of its display, allowing visitors to explore the cockpit and crew compartment
Photo:
K.R Deepak
On display: The Sikorsky UH-3H Sea King positioned on Beach Road, inviting visitors to experience its operational interiors and history.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
Walk through history: Tourists explore the newly inaugurated UH-3H Helicopter Museum, part of Visakhapatnam’s extended maritime corridor near the TU-142 Aircraft and Kursura Submarine Museums.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
View from the sky: An aerial view of the UH-3H helicopter Museum. It has galleries with photographs, panels, and audio-visual materials that outline the helicopter’s history.
Photo:
K.R Deepak
Museum trail: A glimpse of Visakhapatnam’s maritime corridor, featuring the Sea Harrier Museum, UH-3H Helicopter Museum, TU-142 Aircraft Museum, and INS Kursura Submarine Museum.
Published – September 28, 2025 10:17 am IST
