Photos from a LC-130J - DPF in Antarctica

[ErrolC]

Blogger David Farrar has gone to Antarctica as past of Antarctica NZ's Community Engagement Program.
Includes photos of and from a ski-equipped LC-130J (actually an H with non-standard props, per below), as well as other interesting stuff.

www.kiwiblog.co.nz/tag/antarctica

[komata]

ErolC

Thanks; I was hoping someone would post the images here. The Hercs are of interest IMHO, in that they are from two different units (National Science Foundation and New York Air Guard), and because they still carry 1960's-era Star and 'Double Bar' markings; something that I understood had been banished during the 'Vietnam' action as they formed an easy target for enemy gunners. Evidently not everyone received the memo.

Again, thanks; the pics are appreciated.

[Bruce]

Not too many enemy gunners in Antarctica! The Full colour insignia is still used and current, but most combat aircraft "in theatre" now have lo-viz monochrome markings.

[baz62]

Love the R2-D2 themed suitcase. :-)

[Dave.K]

There was a doco on the ski hercs on "Mighty Planes" on Discovery a couple of weeks ago. They are used in the northern hemisphere for their winter then come down south for the term.Interesting to see them using Jato bottles, they only burn for 14 seconds, so they got up to nearly flying speed then lit them and just hauled it off the ground.

[lindstrim]

Ah it's a H model with 8 bladed props as a test.

polarfield.com/blog/tag/8-blade-propeller/

[ErrolC]

Thanks lindstrim.
I seem to remember hearing about similar trials with P-3 Orions.

[suthg]

An 8 blader has been trying to get south from CHC in the last three days but in two flights, the same plane developed smoke internally - believed to have been an electrical issue. Turned back both times obviously. Since then, the Antarctic base has been snowed in so the journey south is delayed again. I have an engineering friend trying to get south for upgrade project work down there. Due back on the last flights out.