Friday, January 28, 2011

Basler


One of my favorite Antarctic planes is the Basler. This is an old DC-3 (or military version, C-47) of World War 2 vintage that has been stretched (especially in the cargo door area) and re-engined with turboprops (okay, and they do a lot more as well to the plane). Basler Conversions is in Oshkosh, WI and I'd like to go and visit sometime. Webpage for Basler.

Yes, manufactured originally in 1942. Still flying today in the world's harshest environments. Part of the key to their longevity is the lack of pressurization. Pressurizing the passenger/cargo area produces stresses on the airframe.

Big doors to load lots of equipment.

Kenn Borek Air is a northern Canadian operation that moves to Antarctica when the ice roads up north start carrying the heavy cargo. Note the skis.

Fuel depot.

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