Музей истории авиационного двигателестроения и ремонта, Aircraft engine museum in Gatchina, Russia.
The aircraft engine museum displays powerplants developed after World War II that once flew in Soviet aircraft. The collection includes turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft engines from different design bureaus, presented at full scale for visitors to examine.
The museum was founded in 2002 and occupies former royal stable buildings that later became industrial facilities. It was created to honor Soviet aviation achievements and the engineers who advanced engine technology.
The museum opened in August 2002, timed to the 90th anniversary of Russian military aviation. Its 17 full-scale engine mock-ups were built from real engines withdrawn from flight service and prepared for display, and the collection now covers engines from seven design bureaus.
The museum occupies former court stable buildings of the Gatchina palace complex, designed by architect Nikolai Dmitriev, on the grounds of the 218 Aviation Repair Plant. Access is through the plant, so arrange your visit in advance with the enterprise rather than turning up unannounced. The display covers 800 square metres in a single hall, and the collection has been reorganised as a training and history classroom of aircraft engine building and repair.
The engines come from seven different design bureaus, revealing the breadth of Soviet motor development across competing teams. Some of these engines operated in aircraft until the very last decade of the 20th century.
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