This is the twentieth entry in the Armed with Science series, Dispatches from Antarctica. The series features Air Force Lt. Col. Ed Vaughan’s first-hand experiences on OPERATION: DEEP FREEZE, the Defense Department’s support of National Science Foundation research in Antarctica.
16 October 2010, McMurdo Station, Antarctica: The Baslers arrive
What is a Basler? Think Antarctic retro a la Casablanca. Think James Bond meets Grizzly Adams. Think of a twin-propeller driven DC-3 from a bygone era retrofitted with modern engines and avionics. And just to make it really awesome…put it all on skis.
Baslers are decidedly cool. Any company that wants to promote rugged, classy watches, or explorer sun-goggles, or expedition class jackets, should get a Basler for their photo shoots. The only thing I don’t like about the Basler is that I’m not flying it.
Kenn Borek Air, Ltd, out of Canada, operates the DC-3T Baslers for the US Antarctic Program under contract.