Unique Exhibits of the Civil Aviation History Museum Being Restored in Ulyanovsk

Among them are the Tu-144 and the century-old Ant-4 - the last remaining specimens in the world, which are important to preserve for future generations

A large-scale restoration of exhibits at the Civil Aviation History Museum is underway in Ulyanovsk, timed to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the Ulyanovsk Institute of Civil Aviation (UIGA). The work has been ongoing for two months: aircraft and helicopters are being washed, repainted, and restored. Contractors, cadets, and institute staff are participating in the restoration.

Mi-6 helicopter in the Civil Aviation History Museum before restoration
Image source NA/www1.ru

The museum, one of the largest in the country dedicated to the history of civil aviation, has over 4,000 exhibits and 40 aircraft from different eras. Special attention is being paid to the flagships of the collection - the supersonic passenger airliner Tu-144 and the century-old Ant-4, the last surviving example in the world. The work includes washing, priming, and painting the hulls, reupholstering the interiors, and replacing carpets, as well as landscaping the grounds and parking areas.

Federal support will allow the completion of restoration work and the construction of a full-fledged pavilion for the exhibits instead of temporary shelters.

Major aviation companies are actively participating in the project, considering it a contribution to preserving the heritage of domestic aviation and training future industry specialists.

Tu-144 aircraft in the Civil Aviation History Museum before restoration
Image source NA/www1.ru

Andrey Zabirov, Director of the Ulyanovsk branch of Gazpromneft-Aero JSC, noted that the restoration of the Tu-144 is part of the cooperation with the institute, and Sergey Krasnov, Deputy Director of UZGA-Engineering, spoke about the repair of the M-15 aircraft for the anniversary of the educational institution.

After the completion of the work, the museum will be ready to receive even more visitors from all over the country and will present an updated exposition for the UIGA anniversary.