M&A - Indian Naval Fleet Air Arm Museum - 2015

Indian Naval Fleet Air Arm Museum
2015

Naval Fleet Air Arm Museum, Goa, India

On my two visits here, I arrived by air, from Mumbai. Internal flights are good value. Airlines were not, and may still not be, allowed to land before lunch for the civil terminal is on the airbase which is Indian Navy Station Goa-Diabolim. Hence the location of the museum here.

On landing, if you are lucky, you will see a TU-142 on your left on the apron of the Air Station. It may be for preservation: I am not sure. As your plane turns off the runway to taxy up to the terminal, you may also see a few of the helicopters, communications planes and other aircraft of the Indian Navy. It would be a very interesting place to visit; a very interesting story they could tell of their mission.

The terminal is quite small and on leaving it, whilst it would be possible to walk to the museum, I would advise against it. A taxi would be far more comfortable and you should be able to negotiate to have your driver wait. Better still, it is entirely possible your driver will never have been in the museum so take him with you!

There are about fifteen fixed wing aircraft and helicopters all on display in the sunshine. Allow time to photograph them leisurely and the history and memorabilia kept inside may be of interest also. The types to be seen on display are a real treat. A Seahawk, a Super Constellation, a Fairey Firefly, an Alize, a Short Sealand. It goes on. And they are being looked after.

Goa was or is a holiday destination in itself; renowned for its beaches and the ‘laid back’ lifestyle with that. The locals are friendly and used to tourists. If you are not on a ‘quick turn’ back to Mumbai, or are staying in Goa, have dinner in a beachside restaurant ….. and watch a cow strolling along the beach at the close of the evening! It is different.

I took the opportunity to visit Goa whilst in India for the biennial airshow at Bangalore-Yelahanka. Fly to Delhi and you could also visit the Indian Air Force Museum – but that will be for another brief article. For the moment, enjoy the rich variety of aircraft that have been used by the Indian Navy.

Author and Photography Peter Nelson