The Indian Air Force Museum surely promises a unique experience for an aviation enthusiast. This museum is located in Palam, just besides the domestic terminal of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Dilli. Although it is a little far from the Central Dilli, one can easily reach the museum by personal or public transport.
The Air Force Museum was only one of its kind in India till the recent unveiling of the Naval Air Museum in Goa, the IAF Museum offers an insight not only into the history of the Indian Air Force but a complete picture of Military aviation in India. Starting from the initial days when Indian aviators flew for the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, right up to the days of the Kargil Operations. The visitor is regaled with pictures, mementoes, souvenirs, models, and the actual aircraft themselves.
The Museum consists of an Indoor Gallery comprising of the pictorial history of the Indian Air Force, also holding showcases of memorabilia, uniforms, personal weapons etc of different periods. An adjoining hangar gives the visitor the delight of looking at the actual aircraft of different periods. Not only aircraft but also equipment like ordinance, anti-aircraft guns, vehicles and other assorted items are on display here. Some aircraft which are too large to be accommodated in the hangar are displayed on the apron outside. The outdoor gallery also displays war trophies, radar equipment and captured enemy vehicles.
Regular visitors can have a glimpse of the vintage aircrafts, which served in the past wars, which commendably till date strives to maintain airworthy conditions. Strapped of funds, the personnel of IAF vintage aircraft flights do their best to keep these aircrafts flying fit. Transport aircrafts can also be spotted, which due to the lack of hangar space are stationed outside the museum’s limits in the main apron of Palam Air Station itself. Being an operational air force station, visitors do not get a glimpse of these magnificent giants except on the air force day every year when it is thrown open to all.
For those willing to take home a part of history with them, the museum has a small souvenirs corner where visitors can get buy souvenir T-Shirts, key chains, postal covers, bottle openers and even chinaware. A visit to this place is a must in you are in Saddi Dilli.
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