In Chandigarh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the first Indian force heritage center in sector 18. The heritage center is spread across 17,000 sqft and highlights the IAF’s role in several wars. It houses 5 vintage aircraft and gives the cockpit exposure to visitors and experiences the flight simulators.
It also became the house of the IAF patent aircraft Air Force as ‘Kanpur-1 Vintage Prototype Aircraft’, which is a flying machine designed with a single engine and built by air vice marshal Harjinder Singh in 1958.
One-day visit of the defense minister to Chandigarh
Singh is accompanied by UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit, Marshal V R Chaudhari, Kirron Kher, and other administrative officers. Though Rajnath Singh is going to arrive at phase, he will take the round of the heritage center and watch IAF aircraft that contribute to various wars. A souvenir shop is equipped with scale models, and a memorial of IAF has been set up in the center.
The Defence Minister, who is going to Chandigarh for one day visit and laying foundation stones for some other projects, continues in the city.
What is available in store for visitors
A one-foot beautiful wall that has been painted or photographed with 58 retired and vintage aircraft that work like a visual treat to visitors.
Usually, the heritage center will update on several rescue operations undertaken by IAF all over the world. The initiatives taken by the air force family welfare association provide benefits to Air Warrior families at central, regional, or state levels.
In June 2022, an understanding of a memorandum on the heritage center was signed between the Indian air force and the Chandigarh administration in the presence of Purohit. It shows that the heritage center will have decommissioned aircraft, simulators, aero engines, and IAF artifacts. The heritage center will also employ artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
The biggest attraction of the heritage center
The heritage center will exhibit the source of inspiration for generations and displays the spirit of the Indian air force, said officials.
It has eight attractions, including weapon displays and aircraft models. The biggest attraction is considered a flight simulator. Informative displays on the aircraft, aero engines, films, fixtures, kiosks, personalities, etc. A souvenir shop becomes an important part of the museum.
This aircraft is referred to as testimony that appeared as a glorious moment for future generations to understand the importance of self-reliance, dream of making India, innovation, etc.
What the heritage center reflects
The heritage center reflects the IAF’s role in several wars through its morals. It is equipped with many exhibits like virtual reality, augmented reality, flying simulators, aero engines, holograms, and multimedia, and highlights the facets of IAF.
Conclusion
The union minister visits the heritage center along with the Punjab governor, purohit, the Chandigarh administrator, and some senior officers. It helps to present the rich culture and heritage of the air force and guide the people mind in India to join the armed forces, said defense officials.
