The era of rotary wing helicopters in the Navy started in early 1960 when one pilot underwent training on Helicopters with the IAF at Palam. Subsequently two pilots were sent to France to train on Alloutte IIs to undertake the SAR duties on the INS Vikrant. The first two aircraft procured were the Alloutte IIs which were used on the aircraft carrier for some time.

Chetak [IN-475]

Over the next few years, the IN used Sikorsky S-55s, an Mi-4 and the improved Alloutte III, now known as Chetak in India. Soon the Chetaks formed a Squadron INAS 321 at Goa in 1969. Allouttes saw service in great numbers - one flight even going to Antartica.

Chetak IN-475 on display without its main rotor blades, engine and the tail rotor blades.

Over the years more than  fifty Alloutte IIIs saw service with the Navy. A number were lost on operations. One Chetak however has found its way to the Museum. IN-475 is displayed in the museum, sans its tail rotor and main rotor blades. The engine is displayed in the engine gallery at the main entrance. The Helicopter doors are left open to enable the visitors to get a look inside. The aircraft does not sport the roundels as it was still in the process of getting a new paint job.

Hughes Hu300 [IN-083]

On 15 Sept 1971, a Helicopter Training School was established and it was equipped with three Hughes Hu300 two seater helicopters.   These two seater helicopters were powered by a Radial Piston engine and were used for ab-initio training of chopper pilots. Four of these small sized choppers were procured - IN-081, IN-082, IN-083 and IN-084. The Hughes equipped INAS-561, earmarked for Helicopter Flying Training. The Hughes were phased out in the Mid-80s.

The tiny Hughes Hu300 IN-083 was used in the Navy's Helicopter Training School. This is one of the two surviving Hughes choppers, the other is with NIAT in Cochin.

Today IN-083 proudly stands in the NAM, while another Hughes, the IN-081 is preserved at the NIAT in Cochin. The aircraft is in great condition. However it could do with being shifted indoors or under shelter. The Bubble shaped cabin of the Chopper is unique and difficult to procure. There is every danger of the cabin being affected by the sun and turning opaque. While panels and canopies can be replaced for the other helis like the Chetak or the Seaking, the Hughes is a rare bird, and the Perspex will be beyond replacement if it gets damaged.

Westland Seaking  [IN-501]

Compared to the small size of the Hughes, the Seaking is on the other extreme. It is as large as a small Bus and when it flies its leaves an indelible impression on the spectator! The Seaking was manufactured by the Westland company in Britain and was procured to fulfill an ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) requirement in the Navy.

The first of the Seakings were procured in the early 70s. On 3 Nov 1970,  Two Seakings were handed over the Indian High Commissioner for UK. The two Helicopters IN-501 and IN-502 were commissioned as INAS 330 Squadron in 1971. Soon the first batch of 12 Seakings were operational.

Over the years, the Seakings not only formed the ASW squadron on the aircraft carriers, but became the ASW chopper of choice - equipping all Indian manufactured ships like the Godavari class frigates and the Delhi class destroyers. The Seaking also became the preferred mount for the Marcos (Marine Commandos).

	The NAM features a Westland Seaking from the very first batch procured in the early 70s - IN-505. Only the initial batches of the Seakings sported the dark Navy blue and white scheme , the later batches reverting to Sea grey.
A closer look of the Helicopters reveals the squadron insignia of the 'Harpoons' on the nose.

The first batch of Seakings procured in the 70s have completed their technical life and have since been retired. As many as five of them are now in various locations earmarked for preservation. One of these five is IN-505 now seen at NAM.

IN-505 was first reported to have arrived towards the end of 2002, even though the NAM had plans to procure a Seaking as far back as 2000. It is currently displayed in the area in front of the vehicle parking, just ahead and besides the massive Super Constellation. As with the other examples seen elsewhere, the condition of the aircraft is top notch and nothing can be asked more of it.