The MiG 21 at the Regional Science Centre. Picture by Eastern Projections

Dec. 14: It may be known as the Flying Coffin, but it is still held in awe.

The Regional Science Centre at Khanapara finally has a MiG 21 as one of its major attractions.

An official at the centre said though the plan was to bring it at least five years back, it has finally arrived much to the glee of the authorities and the public.

The MiG 21 aircraft has been donated by the air force to the centre for display to its visitors.

“This exhibit brings in a new dimension to this science centre. We dealt with different exhibits, which are from various frontiers of science like nano technology, biotechnology, human genome and others. This is the first war equipment, which, the centre, is going to display for its visitors. This exhibit brings along with it, techniques of aviation, working of hydraulics, mechanical devices and ability of machine to fire,” the official said.

The aircraft has been brought from the Tezpur air force base.

This MiG 21 is 15.4 metres long with a height of 4.125 metres and a wing span of 7.15 metres. The weight of the aircraft is approximately 4 tonnes. When in operation, the maximum flight speed is 2,230 km/hr and maximum ground-level speed is 1,300 km/hr.

The official said this was a big step forward in the efforts of the centre towards science popularisation and creating scientific temper in the minds of the people.

“It is being currently assembled at the garden and a base will be installed for the aircraft to be put. It will be open for public by January,” the official said.

The official said the exhibit provides value addition to the experience of the visitors when they go around the centre.

“A few panels will be placed along with the aircraft wherein all information and details will be provided for the benefit of the visitors,” the official said.

Inside the science centre, there will be a computer kiosk in which more information will be provided for the benefit of the students and general visitors.

“We are extremely grateful to the Union ministry of defence, Indian Air Force, Eastern Air Command, Shillong, Air Force Station, Tezpur, and Air Force Station, Borjhar, for their help and patronage,” the official said.

He also added that in future many more such new exhibits would be added to this science centre.