Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Light Air Force and Helicopter Museum is located in Dax, Landes Department, New Aquitaine. Unique in France, this military museum opened its doors to the public in 1992. It is one of the 16 museums of the Army and is managed by the Army Heritage Delegation. The museum exhibits, in two halls of 3,000 m2 each, one of the most important European collections of helicopters used in the Light Air Force (Alat) and other armies. About 30 aircraft were presented, including the Hiller 360 piloted by Valérie André.

The museum also houses a gallery dedicated to photographic documents, trophies, mock-ups and slideshows tracing the history of the Alat, especially during the Second World War and the Indochina War. A documentation centre, with more than 8,000 references, complements available resources. The museum is open to the public from the beginning of March to the end of November and collaborates with other institutions, such as the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace du Bourget.

The museum is supported by the Aamalat (Association of Friends of the Alat Museum), an association law of 1901. This associative structure contributes to the preservation and enhancement of the exposed historical heritage, while helping the curator and his team in their missions.

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