Air Force Heritage Centre in Chandigarh:
.If you are a fan of aviation history and technology, you might want to visit the Air Force Heritage Centre in Chandigarh, the country’s first museum dedicated to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The centre, which was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on May 8, 2023, showcases the IAF’s role in various wars and operations, from 1932 to the present day. You can also see some of the vintage aircraft that have flown in the Indian skies, and experience what it feels like to be a fighter pilot in a flight simulator. In this blogpost, I will tell you more about the centre, its attractions and how to plan your visit.
The Air Force Heritage Centre is spread over 17,000 square feet and is located in Sector 18, in the heart of Chandigarh. The centre has five sections, each depicting a different aspect of the IAF’s history and achievements. The first section is the Hall of Fame, where you can see the portraits and biographies of the IAF’s gallantry award winners and martyrs. The second section is the War Gallery, where you can see the murals and memorabilia of the IAF’s role in various wars and operations, such as the 1965, 1971 and Kargil wars, and the Balakot air strike. The third section is the Aircraft Display Area, where you can see five vintage aircraft that have flown in the Indian skies, such as the Hindustan Piston Trainer-32 primary flying trainer aircraft, the MiG 21 single-seat fighter and the GNAT aircraft (Sabre Slayer). You can also get a cockpit exposure and learn about the instruments and controls of these aircraft. The fourth section is the Flight Simulator Zone, where you can experience what it feels like to be a fighter pilot in a flight simulator. You can choose from three different scenarios: a MiG-29 aircraft taking off from the Chabua air base in the Northeast and bombing a Chinese airbase; a Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft flying over the Himalayas and engaging in a dogfight with enemy aircraft; and a Mirage-2000 aircraft flying over Rajasthan and dropping laser-guided bombs on enemy targets. The fifth section is the Souvenir Shop and Cafe, where you can buy some memorabilia and refreshments to remember your visit.