The Central Air Force Museum (Monino), one of the Europe’s largest museums in terms of the number of aircraft displayed, turns 55 on November 28th 2013, press-service of Russian Ministry of Defense reports.

"In honor of the anniversary the open day takes place in Monino (Moscow Region). The head of the local administration, head of the museum and veterans of the air forces appeared before the guests. An excursion will be arranged for the guests: the museum’s employees will tell them about unique aircraft demonstrated at the static display", - the press-service noted.

"The Central Air Force Museum is the country’s only museum having so many full-scale airliners, helicopters, sailplanes and other aircraft. The museum was opened in 1958. One of the world’s largest collections of airliners and helicopters is located outdoors and in special hangars. Rare aircraft manufactured in early 1900s (1909), during the World War I, Civil and the Great Patriotic War, during post-war period along with state-of-the-art vehicles developed by Tupolev , Yakovlev, Sukhoi, Mikoyan, Ilyushin, Antonov, Mil and Kamov design bureaus are demonstrated in the museum", - the press-service noted.

About 120 aircraft are located outdoors, including advanced MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters, Mi-24 combat helicopters, new Yak-130D operational trainer, etc. About 70 unique aircraft are located in the hangars, including mockup of the world’s first bomber “Ilya Muromets”, legendary Soviet Po-2, R-5, Yak-9, La-7, DB-3, Pe-2 and Tu-2 airliners.

In general the museum has over 60 thousand items and its collection is being expanded. Last year 11 aircraft were handed over to the museum.

"Over the last 5 years a new hangar number 6A and an administrative building have been put into operation. Moreover, hangar number 6B intended for the aircraft manufactured during Great Patriotic War and another administrative building with four exhibition halls will be put into operation soon", - the press-service added.

Foreign military delegations often visit the museum. Representatives of 80 countries have already visited the Central Air Force Museum, the Ministry of Defense added.