Indian Navy’s UH-3H Helicopter Installed at RK Beach as Part of TU-142 Aircraft Museum in Visakhapatnam

The iconic UH-3H helicopter, ‘Saaras,’ now enriches RK Beach, celebrating its legacy in Indian naval aviation history.

November 21, 2024
5:49 am

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Indian Navy UH-3H helicopter, popularly called ‘Saaras,’ was formally inducted on RK Beach Road on Wednesday as part of the elite TU-142 Aircraft Museum. This helicopter installation adds another layer of historical and educational value to Visakhapatnam’s celebrated naval aviation assets .

Legacy of Service

Retired in June 2024 after 17 years of exceptional service, the UH-3H helicopter embodies a huge milestone in the Indian history of naval aviation. Inducted on March 24, 2009, at INS Dega, it served the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 350. Named after the majestic Sarus crane, a bird representing strength, grace, and vigilance, the helicopter participated in many special operations and maritime missions besides SAR during disasters and natural calamities.

HADR operations

Its advanced capabilities proved to be invaluable in testing situations and proved to be very safe and successful in those very challenging missions requiring the most work and perseverance.

Improving RK Beach and TU-142 Aircraft Museum

This is an installation under the ₹3 crore project undertaken by the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority, VMRDA. The VMRDA Commissioner KS Viswanathan explained that the project aims to:

Give tourists the opportunity to go inside the UH-3H helicopter.
Display its parts and its history through interactive exhibits.

Discussions are underway to expand it further, and it is expected to be completed within the next three months.

A Tribute to Naval Excellence

The erstwhile helicopter, ‘Saaras,’ bid its last farewells at INS Dega on June 28, 2024, as part of the de-induction ceremony. Vice-Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff of the Eastern Naval Command, placed a commemorative plaque on the State government’s table in tribute to the legacy of helicopter services.

Educational and Tourist Significance

The addition of UH-3H at RK Beach adds a feather to the scenic tourism fabric in Visakhapatnam and is also an educational attraction showcasing the efforts and achievements of naval aviation in India. It goes well with other assets like the TU-142 anti-submarine aircraft and the Sea Harrier fighter plane, which are indicative of the Indian Navy’s efforts to preserve its legacy while inspiring future generations.

With the addition of ‘Saaras,’ RK Beach stands as a proud symbol of India’s maritime strength, valor, and innovation.