Sri Lanka Air Force Museum

FT-5 AIRCRAFT
The FT-5 (JJ-5) was developed to serve as a trainer for the Chinese J-5A fighter, which is the Chinese version of the MIG-17 series built for the peoples liberation Army air force (PLAAF) of china. The sri lanka air force (SLAF) inducted two FT-5 s in 1990 after along period of absence of Jet air craft in the SLAF fleet. The FT-5 s were put on long term storage in 2001 and were handed over to the museum in 2009.
KAMOV KA-26
The Kamov KA 26 which was given the NATO code name "Hoodlum" is a uniquely configured multirole helicopter. Its distinguished feature is having the counter rotating co-axial type rotors. Designed by the Kamov Design Bureau of the former Soviet Union (U.S.S.R) this helicopter was first announced in early 1964 and was first flown on 18 August 1965. A total of 850 of these helicopters were built.
DE HAVILLAND DH 104 DOVE
The DH 104 Dove (Series 5) aircraft were inducted to the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) in 1955. A total of 06 of these aircraft were purchased. With the formation of the No 2 Transport Squadron in 1956, the Doves were among the first members to be in service with the squadron.
Hard Landing
A wreck of a MIG Jet Fighter which had crashed.
HS 748 AVRO
A popular transport aircraft, the Hawker Siddley HS 748 has been in service with the Sri Lanka Air Force since 1979. Powered by Rolls Royce engines. It is capable of carrying 52 passengers. This aircraft was obtained from Air Ceylon and extensively used for logistic support to Palaly in the separatist war.
Ford Consul
The vehicle used by former Commander Air Chief Marshal Harry Goonetileke.
HUNTING PERCIVAL JET PROVOST T.51
The Jet Provost (commonly called as the JP) was the first jet aircraft to be purchased by the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF). A total of 12 Jet Provost T.51s were inducted in 1959, and used as basic jet trainers. Due to its capability of being armed, the JPs' were used for operational flying during the 1971 insurgency.
MIL MI 24
The Mi 24s' entered the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in 1995, a total of 26 Mi 24s' and Mi 35s' (the export version of the Mi 24) were inducted to the SLAF and were used extensively during the North and East conflict. Stationed with the No 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron these helicopter gunships proved invaluable due to the immense fire support provided and served as the main assault helicopter of the SLAF.
SIAI MARCHETTI SF 260 TP
The SIAI Marchetti SF 260 TP is a fully aerobatic two seat military trainer. The aircraft is also designed to be armed and used as an attack aircraft as well. The SLAF acquired a total of 9 SIAI Marchetti SF 260 TPs at a period the war against the LTTE was intensified in 1985. Initially stationed at No 02 Squadron, the SF 260TPs played a vital role providing close air support to the ground forces.
Failed Attempt
The wreck of the LTTE Zlin -143 air craft. This aircraft was shot down by the SLAF Air Defense gunners near the Katunayaka Air Force Base.

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S O U V E N I R S

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E X H I B I T S

Welcome to the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum

SLAF Museum

Welcome to the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum, Sri Lanka's only national museum dedicated entirely to aviation and the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

A visit to this establishment would be a unique experience for enthusiast of aviation of all ages. The museum offers an insight not only into the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force but also a comprehensive picture of aviation in general. Starting from the R.A.F. operations of World War II to the combat operations of the S.L.A.F. in the recent past, the museum offers a detailed depiction of the evolution which has shaped the Sri Lanka Air Force in to the world class fighting force it is.

The museum was first established in 1993 as the Aircraft Preservation and Storage Unit at Air Force Base Ratmalana with the intention of preserving history of aviation in Sri Lanka in general and the history of Sri Lanka Air Force in particular. Being located within an operational air base gives the museum a real life appeal.

Air Chief Marshal WDMRJ Goonetileke, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, initiated a special project in 2008 with the intention of modernizing the museum. Under this project Aircraft Preservation and Storage Unit has been restructured as Sri Lanka Air Force Museum. New Exhibits and facilities have been added to the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum.

View the SLAF Museum Sovenir

Recent News

Tiger Moth and Chipmunk Takes to the Skies this Saturday

2010-01-08 18:04:27

The SLAF Museum plans to fly two of the oldest aircrafts in their fleet this Saturday (January 09th, 2010) in an Air Demonstration taking place at the Rathmalana Air Base Approx. at 10AM (1000Hrs).The venerable De Havilland Tiger Moth an...

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Exhibit Highlists