|
| |
 The
workhorse of the Antarctic long-distance support is the Lockheed-Martin
LC-130 Hercules. The "L" signifies ski-equipped. This aircraft is able to
land on unprepared snow fields and is responsible for all the logistic support
of South Pole Station. In the late summer season, all flights to and from
McMurdo Station are via the LC-130. |
| |
 Helicopter
at Marble Point. The aircraft is an "A-Star" which can hold at most five
passengers and carry 2,000lbs of cargo. This helicopter is part of the
fleet that supports scientific and logistical work around McMurdo Station.
The aircraft is sitting at Marble Point, waiting to be refueled. In the
background is the edge of the Wilson Piedmont Glacier. |
| |
Here, a Bell 212 carries an external "sling load" of cargo to a field camp.
This aircraft is very similar to the military UH-1N "Huey". In the Antarctic,
it can carry as many as eight passengers or 4000lbs of cargo. |
| |
 Flight
operations are always subject to weather conditions. Here, Dr. Sam Bowser
(right) discusses the weather conditions at Explorers Cove and possible
flight alternatives. On this day, the winds were too high so the pilot
opted not to land. Instead, we diverted to Marble Point. Then we made
a fly-by and took aerial photographs of the camp's condition. |
| |
 The
standard vehicle for travel on the gravel roads are 4-wheel drive trucks
just like those in the U.S. They do have one modification: each has an electric
heater that keeps the engine warm. When any vehicle is not in use, this
heater is plugged into an electric socket. |
| |
 "Ivan
the Terra Bus" - is a the largest wheeled passenger carrier at McMurdo.
This is the vehicle that most often carries passengers to and from the ice
runway or to Willy Field. |
| |
 This
vehicle is a Hagglunds, built in Sweden. It is a personnel carrier. The
engine is in the front unit, but both sets of tracks are powered. It has
an added feature that is not apparent: it floats! This is especially valuable
when traveling over sea ice that is not thoroughly explored. If you unexpectedly
break through a thin spot, you have only to get out, keep warm and then
figure out how to get the vehicle back on the ice. |
| |
 A
Tucker "SnoCat". This diesel powered vehicle is often used for crossing
expanses of snow-covered terrain. They are enjoyable to drive, roomy and
the heaters work wonders. They have been used to traverse to Explorers Cove
in the early "Winfly" season (late August to late September). |
| |
 The
Spryte is a standard vehicle for travel over snow or ice. It is noisy and
uncomfortable, the heaters may not work, but they are usually low maintenance
and reliable. The two bags on the top of this one contain survival equipment,
which every vehicle carries, except for those running to and from the aircraft
runways. |
| |
 The
trackmaster a speedy tracked vehicle, used for travel over snow and ice.
It has a tendency to shed a track when turning quickly, which leaves the
occupants having to radio for help. |
| |
 Another
Spryte with a different cabin configuration. |
| |
 Skidoos
are used for travel over both snow and ice. On broken sea ice, they can
give a very rough ride. |
| |
 The
most commonly used form of transportation. |
The
workhorse of the Antarctic long-distance support is the Lockheed-Martin
LC-130 Hercules. The "L" signifies ski-equipped. This aircraft is able to
land on unprepared snow fields and is responsible for all the logistic support
of South Pole Station. In the late summer season, all flights to and from
McMurdo Station are via the LC-130.
Helicopter
at Marble Point. The aircraft is an "A-Star" which can hold at most five
passengers and carry 2,000lbs of cargo. This helicopter is part of the
fleet that supports scientific and logistical work around McMurdo Station.
The aircraft is sitting at Marble Point, waiting to be refueled. In the
background is the edge of the Wilson Piedmont Glacier. 
Here, a Bell 212 carries an external "sling load" of cargo to a field camp.
This aircraft is very similar to the military UH-1N "Huey". In the Antarctic,
it can carry as many as eight passengers or 4000lbs of cargo. 
Flight
operations are always subject to weather conditions. Here, Dr. Sam Bowser
(right) discusses the weather conditions at Explorers Cove and possible
flight alternatives. On this day, the winds were too high so the pilot
opted not to land. Instead, we diverted to Marble Point. Then we made
a fly-by and took aerial photographs of the camp's condition. 
The
standard vehicle for travel on the gravel roads are 4-wheel drive trucks
just like those in the U.S. They do have one modification: each has an electric
heater that keeps the engine warm. When any vehicle is not in use, this
heater is plugged into an electric socket.
"Ivan
the Terra Bus" - is a the largest wheeled passenger carrier at McMurdo.
This is the vehicle that most often carries passengers to and from the ice
runway or to Willy Field.
This
vehicle is a Hagglunds, built in Sweden. It is a personnel carrier. The
engine is in the front unit, but both sets of tracks are powered. It has
an added feature that is not apparent: it floats! This is especially valuable
when traveling over sea ice that is not thoroughly explored. If you unexpectedly
break through a thin spot, you have only to get out, keep warm and then
figure out how to get the vehicle back on the ice. 
A
Tucker "SnoCat". This diesel powered vehicle is often used for crossing
expanses of snow-covered terrain. They are enjoyable to drive, roomy and
the heaters work wonders. They have been used to traverse to Explorers Cove
in the early "Winfly" season (late August to late September).
The
Spryte is a standard vehicle for travel over snow or ice. It is noisy and
uncomfortable, the heaters may not work, but they are usually low maintenance
and reliable. The two bags on the top of this one contain survival equipment,
which every vehicle carries, except for those running to and from the aircraft
runways.
The
trackmaster a speedy tracked vehicle, used for travel over snow and ice.
It has a tendency to shed a track when turning quickly, which leaves the
occupants having to radio for help. 
Another
Spryte with a different cabin configuration.
Skidoos
are used for travel over both snow and ice. On broken sea ice, they can
give a very rough ride.
The
most commonly used form of transportation.