About TU-142 Aircraft Museum
The TU-142 Aircraft Museum in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is an aviation museum housing a decommissioned Tupolev Tu-142M long-range maritime patrol aircraft of the Indian Navy. Located on Beach Road opposite the Kursura Submarine Museum near RK Beach, it was inaugurated in December 2017 after the aircraft's 29 years of service. The museum preserves the aircraft and displays exhibits on naval aviation, offering visitors insight into its operational history and technology.
Visitors guide
Visitors can see a preserved Tupolev Tu-142M aircraft displayed outdoors on Beach Road near RK Beach, with access to the interior through guided walkways. Inside, the fuselage retains cockpit, equipment bays and crew compartments with informational panels, models and exhibits on maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine operations. The surrounding promenade area offers views of the Bay of Bengal and the adjacent Kursura Submarine Museum. Photography and educational displays are part of the experience.
Key highlights
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Decommissioned Indian Navy Tupolev Tu-142M aircraft preserved as museum exhibit
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29 years of service from 1988 to 2017 in maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare
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Access to aircraft interior including cockpit, fuselage and operational compartments
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Exhibits, models and information panels on naval aviation history and technology
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Beach Road location opposite Kursura Submarine Museum with sea views
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Inaugurated in December 2017 and developed by VMRDA with Indian Navy
History of TU-142 Aircraft Museum
The Tupolev Tu-142M was a long-range maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft inducted into the Indian Navy in 1988 and based at INS Rajali. It served for 29 years until its decommissioning in March 2017. The aircraft was then converted into a museum and inaugurated on 7 December 2017 by the President of India, preserving naval aviation heritage for public display.
Culture & Context
The museum showcases Indian naval aviation heritage and serves as an educational attraction highlighting the role of maritime patrol aircraft in coastal defence, attracting tourists and students to learn about aviation technology and naval history.