WWII era fighter planes unveiled for exhibition

A 60-year-old fighter aircraft F-6 has been unveiled for exhibition at the National Museum of Science and Technology in the capital.

The exhibition was inaugurated by state minister for Science and Technology Yeafes Osman at an event on the museum premises in Agargaon yesterday.

Two beaver MK-1 aircraft -- used during WWII -- are also being readied.

Muhammad Munir Chowdhury, director general of the museum, said in his welcome speech the F-6 was built in 1958 and flied in September 1959 for the first time.

"I have asked many aviation experts to make it demonstrable, but failed. We have now tasked  Aeronautical Engineer Tanzia Rashid with the job remaking this technology for the pages of history," said Munir Chowdhury.

"We have to move forward with science. If we want to achieve progress even in the agriculture sector, we need the cooperation of science. Our youths should grow up science-minded," said Yeafes Osman, speaking as chief guest of the event.

Tanzia Rashid told The Daily Star that the F-6 aircraft had been in a poor condition for a long time.

"We changed the background to make it more appealing to the audience, installed lights and sound systems after drafting and painting it," she said.

Tanzia said the aircraft was made jointly in China and and Pakistan. She said they are trying to make the plane dynamic from a static mode.

"If we succeed, it will be more appealing for the audience. We're also working on the two Beaver planes so that visitors can sit and move inside them," Tanzia added.