Mighty Neighbor For INS Kursura – The Albatross

VUDA and Indian Navy partner yet again to bring a crowning glory of India’s defense to the people of Visakhapatnam. The Aircraft Museum Project is proposed for the beach road and the mighty war-hero TU-142, whose call sign is Albatross is to be INS Kursura’s neighbor. TU-142, designed by Tupolev and manufactured in Russia has served 30,000 flight hours. Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba chaired the de-commissioning ceremony in INS Rajali on March 29th. It has served 29 years and played handsome roles in Indian Peace Keeping Forces mission in Sri Lanka.

It is yet another feather in Vizag’s cap and one which is a landmark event to grace the beautiful shores.

A Rs.10 Crore grant has been allotted for this museum project and the aircraft has already been dismantled at INS Dega in Vizag. The parts shall be brought to the site and assembled there. The museum shall be rigged on the same lines as INS Kursura. Plans are underway by VUDA as to setting up of the museum and the operational details and shall be finalized soon.

It is proposed to be set up and running by August and be inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri Chandrababu Naidu.