Arctic Operations are back
The USAF operating in Antartica and looking back on a pivotal satellite
“We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.”
– Archilochus
Thanks for voting! Comment below on your rationale - I will make an update video on the FA-XX as soon as we know more. And now, onto the newsletter:
Mission Briefing
The U.S. Air Force concluded its annual Antarctic support missions on March 7, with the final transport aircraft departing Christchurch, New Zealand. These operations, conducted in partnership with the National Science Foundation, facilitate scientific research on the continent.
This season introduced notable changes to Operation Deep Freeze, the military's longstanding Antarctic mission since 1955. Alongside the traditional use of Lockheed Martin LC-130H "Skibirds" and Boeing C-17A Globemaster IIIs, the Air Force deployed C-130H aircraft from the Nevada Air National Guard. These aircraft completed approximately ten missions, addressing the "C-17 gap season" from early December to late January when softer runways limit C-17 operations. Lt. Col. Jack Smith, commander of the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, explained that the lighter C-130Hs can operate during these periods, offering a cost-effective alternative due to their lower fuel consumption compared to the larger C-17s and the ski-equipped LC-130s, which consume 25% more fuel due to aerodynamic drag.
Another significant development was the commencement of a two-year project to reconstruct the pier at McMurdo Station, essential for unloading cargo and supplies. The C-17s transported heavy equipment, including cranes and drilling rigs, to support this effort led by Navy Seabees. Given that the majority of the 90 million pounds of cargo delivered to Antarctica last year arrived by sea, the pier's reconstruction is vital for ongoing operations.
Operating in Antarctica presents unique challenges, particularly due to rapidly changing weather conditions that can necessitate mid-flight returns, known as "boomerangs." Communication difficulties and spatial disorientation are additional concerns for flight crews navigating this harsh environment. Despite these obstacles, the Air Force remains committed to supporting Antarctic missions, recognizing their critical role in facilitating scientific research and maintaining a U.S. presence in the region.
The 62nd Airlift Wing, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, oversees these operations. Participation is highly sought after, with personnel selected based on performance, making it a prestigious assignment within the Air Force.
Looking ahead, the aging fleet of LC-130H aircraft is slated for replacement, likely by models based on the C-130J platform. However, current U.S. Air Force C-130Js lack the wing fuel tanks necessary for Antarctic missions, a limitation not present in other nations' models, such as those operated by New Zealand. Addressing this capability gap will be essential for the future success of Operation Deep Freeze.
This Week in Aviation History
1 April 1960: history was made at Cape Canaveral, Florida, when the United States successfully launched TIROS-1, the world's very first weather satellite. Liftoff occurred at precisely 6:40 a.m. EST, ushering in a revolutionary new era for meteorology and satellite technology.
TIROS-1, short for Television Infra-Red Observation Satellite, was an extraordinary achievement in the early days of the space age. Weighing just 270 pounds and measuring 42 inches in diameter and 19 inches tall, TIROS-1 might have seemed modest, but it was a marvel of its time. Covered with 9,200 solar cells that powered two onboard television cameras, the satellite provided humanity with the very first images of Earth's cloud cover from the vantage point of space—roughly 450 miles above the planet.
During its operational lifetime of 78 days, TIROS-1 completed an orbit every 97 minutes, continuously capturing and transmitting groundbreaking images back to Earth. These pictures allowed scientists, for the first time, to observe and confirm the spiral patterns of clouds and winds in storms, dramatically enhancing our understanding of weather systems and paving the way for improved forecasting.
Launching TIROS-1 was no simple task—it took a two-stage rocket known as Thor 148 to lift it into orbit. Standing an impressive 91 feet tall and weighing about 114,000 pounds, this rocket combined a Douglas Aircraft Thor DM-18A first stage with an Aerojet Able-II second stage. Its successful mission opened the door for the series of weather satellites that followed, transforming meteorology into the accurate science it is today.
Thanks to TIROS-1's pioneering success, the way we monitor, understand, and predict weather was forever changed, influencing everything from daily weather forecasts to critical storm warnings that save lives. It's a fitting reminder of how bold exploration and innovation can have far-reaching impacts on our everyday lives
In Case You Missed It
Last year it look like the Navy was ahead in the race for sixth gen:
Photo Outlet
Every issue of Hangar Flying with Tog gets you a free image that I’ve taken at airshows:
Feel free to use these photos however you like, if you choose to tag me, I am @pilotphotog on all social platforms. Thanks!
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-Tog
I suspect your mail box is over flowing with sarcastic comments of the mistake on the photo outlet title but it's not a little mistake C5 against C17 should have gone to Specsavers