| 26/10/2005
- Australia's Antarctic science support aircraft have
arrived on the frozen continent in preparation for the
upcoming research season in Antarctica.
The Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell, said Gadget and Ginger – named after two
of Douglas Mawson's huskies – left Hobart mid-morning
yesterday and arrived at Australia's Casey station last
night, around 12 hours later.
"It was a very successful flight with weather conditions
just right," Senator Campbell said.
"There is a broad range of research projects being
undertaken this season and the CASA aircraft will have
a busy schedule ferrying personnel between stations and
deploying scientists and equipment to field locations.
"Australia's Antarctic activities have relied on
ships for intercontinental travel since Mawson's voyage
so the flights by Ginger and Gadget are truly historic,
as is the introduction of the new intercontinental airlink.
"The new airlink marks the opening of an important
new chapter in the history of Australia's world leading
Antarctic programme.
"The CASAs are a forerunner to the introduction of
Australia's intercontinental aircraft announced in this
year's budget. The new airlink will receive $46.3 million
funding over the next four years and provide Australia
with more comprehensive transport support for its Antarctic
programme than ever before," he said.
Senator Campbell said if Australia was to remain at the
forefront of Antarctic research we must provide the means
to work smarter and better.
He said some site trials for the runway to support the
intercontinental service have already been undertaken
near Casey station with further work to be done this year.
Trial flights of a long-range jet are proposed in the
2006-2007 summer before the full service in 2007-2008.
Gadget and Ginger will return to Hobart in late February.
Aircraft details
CASA - a subsidiary of European Aeronautic Defence and
Space company (EADS) makers of Ariane, Airbus and Eurocopter
CASA 212-400:
• the latest light-transport aircraft to be produced by
EADS
• twin turbo-prop featuring digital cockpit to reduce
pilot workload
• comprehensive communication and navigation suite
• Equipped with the latest generation turbine engines,
it can move larger payloads over longer distances with
a fuel efficiency that now allows non-stop flights between
all Australian stations
OPERATORS - Sydney-based Skytraders Pty Ltd have operated
the aircraft for the AAD since the signing of a 12-year
contract in June 2003 |
