First flown on 2 November 1977,[1] the cruise speed of the aircraft was increased to 230 mph (200 kn; 370 km/h). The engine mounted on the nose could be shut off, decreasing the speed to 180 mph (160 kn; 290 km/h) and increasing the range of the aircraft. It was used by Polair and Maritime Patrol and Rescue.[citation needed] It was fitted with skis for use in polar regions and flew in the North Pole region out of Resolute Bay Airport in Canada. It was uniquely suited for flying long distances and landing on rough, unprepared snow runways.
In this role it was instrumental in opening up the interior of Antarctica to private expeditions and tourism.[1] Most notable was a 1983 expedition transporting eight members of the Seven Summits expedition, plus a crew of three, to the Antarctic for a first-ever assault on Mount Vinson.[2]
Specifications
Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Propeller Airliners[3]
General characteristics
Crew: 3
Capacity: 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) cargo
Wingspan: 95 ft (29 m)
Height: 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m)
Wing area: 987 sq ft (91.7 m2)
Max takeoff weight: 29,000 lb (13,154 kg) (PT6A-41)[4]
