Thiruvananthapuram: Soon, visitors to Akkulam , one of the prominent tourist destinations in the capital, will be in for a triple delight. An aircraft museum , a flight simulator and Kiran jet trainer aircraft, which was part of Indian Air Force’s famed nine aircraft formation ‘Surya Kiran’ (Rays of the sun) are set to become the major attractions of the tourist village.The airframe of the Kiran HJT-16 MK-I/IA, a 1960 vintage aircraft which was inducted into IAF in 1968 and which enthralled spectators in India and abroad till 2011, has already been positioned at Aakkulam and is awaiting its official unveiling, which is most likely to happen on the Air Force Day which falls on October 8.Meanwhile, the aircraft museum and the flight simulator, which can provide thrilling experiences to public, especially children, of ‘flying a fighter jet’, is expected to be opened in another three months’ time. “We are renovating an old building to set up the museum, and exhibits are ready with the Southern Air Force Command,” said tourism director P Bala Kiran.It was around four months ago that the Southern Air Force Command offered one of the Indian-made (HAL, Bengaluru) Kiran, used for basic jet training since the 1980s (and now being phased out), to the state tourism department for installation at Akkulam. “The aim behind displaying such aircraft is to attract the youth to join IAF, to promote the force’s image and as a tribute to the yeoman services provided by the aircraft to the nation,” said an IAF officer.These Kiran aircrafts have flown around one lakh flying hours for training of IAF pilots, while the Surya-Kiran aerobatic team (SKAT) has participated in global exercises and air shows across the world which had enhanced the image of India, an officer pointed out. “Approximately, 150 different types of de-commissioned aircraft are displayed in the country at various places,” he added.For the museum and the flight simulator, the tourism department will ensure the superstructure, while the IAF will deal with the interior and exhibits, besides their maintenance. “The unveiling of Kiran aircraft will be done in October after the curing and they (IAF) have requested to fix it on the IAF Day. But the opening of the flight simulator will take three to four months as it involves some civil works,” Bala Kiran said.According to the IAF officers, every frontline fighter pilot since the 1980s has learnt the art and science of flying this aircraft powered by a Rolls Royce Viper 11 MK-22-8 straight flow turbo jet engine.Kiran is still flying as jet trainer and is on the last stage of getting phased out. Once an aircraft is decommissioned, as per the government policy, it gets displayed at places of public interest including government/private schools and colleges to enhance awareness and motivate the youth to join armed forces, the IAF official added.

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