Welcome to Argentina’s Historic Antarctic Flights

Each aircraft featured in this microsite represents a defining chapter in Argentina’s presence in Antarctica. From the pioneering flights that opened routes across an unknown territory, to the logistical and scientific missions that sustain our presence on the White Continent, Argentine aviation —both Navy and Air Force— helped shape the aeropolitical and scientific history of the southernmost region of the country. Every recorded flight is part of a technological and human epic, where ingenuity, courage, and a deep sense of duty made science, exploration, and continuous presence in Antarctica possible. Across eight decades, the flights of the Argentine Navy and Air Force tell a story of challenges, discoveries, and sovereignty. From early seaplanes to modern polar transport aircraft, each machine opened routes, supported bases, strengthened scientific missions, and carried out rescues that remain etched in Antarctic memory. This microsite invites you to explore that legacy — aircraft by aircraft, flight by flight.

Fokker F-27 Mk400 – The Established Scientific Transport

The Fokker F-27 Mk400 Friendship was incorporated to strengthen medium-lift transport to Antarctica, combining operational efficiency with reliability on scheduled flights. With capacity for passengers and scientific cargo, it was key to optimizing personnel rotation, especially for scientists and researchers on seasonal campaigns. Its crews flew with more modern navigation systems, improving operational safety in extreme conditions. The aircraft covered regional routes from southern Argentina to liaison bases prior to the Antarctic crossing or as approach flights to Marambio. It represented a transitional stage toward logistical professionalization, complementing the heavy-duty work of the Hercules. Its contribution allowed for the continuation of Argentine scientific research on the white continent.

Notable Missions

Inaugural Flight to Marambio Base (1969)
On October 29, 1969, the TC-77 landed from Río Gallegos on the newly inaugurated Marambio airstrip, marking the beginning of the use of standard transport aircraft from the Americas to Antarctica.
First Regular Operations and Accident (1969)
A few weeks later, the aircraft was involved in an accident without fatalities during logistical operations on the Marambio airstrip, an event that spurred technical improvements to the Antarctic infrastructure.

Avro Lincoln T-02 – The Long-Range Explorer

The Avro Lincoln T-02, a British heavy bomber adapted by the Argentine Air Force, played a fundamental role during the 1950s in long-range exploration, reconnaissance, and aerial mapping flights over Antarctica. In official documentation, the aircraft appears as Avro Lincoln B-003, re-registered LV-ZEI “Cruz del Sud,” but it is the same aircraft that is usually referred to as Lincoln “T-02” in historical records. Crewed by navigators skilled in celestial navigation, it flew great distances without radio support, navigating by stars and polar routes. It provided essential geographical information about the white continent, recorded coastlines, and supported initial scientific campaigns. Its flights operated from Patagonia to the Antarctic territory, opening unprecedented air routes. It also transported small critical cargoes to bases under construction. The Lincoln represents the heroic era of Antarctic aviation: extensive missions, limited technology, and immense human value.

Notable Missions

Operation “Link” (1951)
First formal Argentine air operation in Antarctica. The Lincoln crossed the Drake Passage, reached Marguerite Bay, and linked up with General San Martín Base by air, dropping supplies.
Emergency Resupply (1953)
Critical flight to airdrop almost a ton of provisions to aid San Martín Base in an emergency situation. The flight was nonstop for more than 13 hours over open water and Antarctic ice.

C-130 Hercules (TC-66) – The Giant That United Continents

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules TC-66 was and remains the backbone of Argentina's Antarctic air logistics. Capable of transporting over 20 tons of cargo or dozens of passengers, it enabled the establishment of a direct air link between the American continent and Antarctica. Its crews are specially trained in polar navigation, ice landings, and night operations. The TC-66 participated in countless missions supplying bases, transporting fuel and heavy machinery, and conducting medical evacuations. It carried out historic long-distance flights from continental bases to Marambio, demonstrating the Hercules's range and reliability. Its role was crucial in maintaining a permanent Argentine presence in the Antarctic sector. It is considered the modern logistical icon of Antarctic air sovereignty.

Notable Missions

Operation Transantar (1973)
The TC-66 made the first intercontinental transantarctic flight, crossing Antarctica from Argentina to Oceania, demonstrating the viability of long-range polar air routes.

Training Flight to Marambio (1974)
The Hercules transported cadets from the Military Aviation School to Antarctica, initiating the tradition of training in extreme environments, integrating instruction, logistics, and air sovereignty.

Douglas C-47 (TA-05) – The historic flight to Marambio Base

The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, the military version of the DC-3, marked a turning point in Antarctic aviation. In 1969, aircraft TA-05 made the historic first landing at the future Marambio Base, demonstrating the feasibility of operating medium-sized wheeled aircraft on consolidated Antarctic soil. The crew, comprised of pilots and navigators specializing in polar operations, faced extreme conditions of whiteout conditions, extreme temperatures, and navigation without modern aids. This mission laid the foundation for the concept of a "permanent Antarctic air bridge" that today connects the continent with mainland Argentina. The C-47 subsequently carried out supply flights, transported scientists, and established regular air routes. It stands as the foundational symbol of national Antarctic air logistics.

Notable Missions

First STAM 500 to Antarctica (1964)
On September 18, 1964, the first Military Air Transport Service (STAM 500) was carried out from Río Gallegos to Teniente Matienzo Base, inaugurating regular transport to Antarctica.

Operation South: Transpolar Flight (1965)
It carried out the first Argentine transantarctic flight, crossing the continent, reaching the South Pole, and arriving at the US McMurdo Station. It also transported Colonel Jorge Leal, head of the Argentine land expedition to the South Pole.

DH Beaver – The pioneer of light Antarctic air

The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver was one of the first light aircraft to operate systematically in the Argentine Antarctic. Designed to take off and land on short runways, snow, or ice using skis, it proved crucial for reconnaissance, liaison, and the deployment of scientific personnel. Its crews, comprised of highly experienced Argentine Air Force pilots specializing in polar flight, carried out missions that connected isolated bases and allowed for the exploration of areas difficult to access by land. The Beaver performed light cargo transport, medical evacuations, and aerial photography. It operated primarily in regions near the eastern sector of the continent and in icy maritime areas. Its maneuverability enabled the establishment of initial air routes. It represents the true beginning of Argentine Antarctic utility flights.

Notable Missions

Operation “Marambio” (1969)
On September 25, 1969, the Beaver aircraft, registration P-03, made the first wheeled landing on Antarctic soil during the initial construction phase of the runway for the future Marambio Base. This flight demonstrated the feasibility of using consolidated dirt runways in Antarctica.

Operation South: Arrival at the South Pole (1965)
Two Beaver aircraft (P-05 and P-06) formed part of the First Argentine Air Squadron to the South Pole, carrying out reconnaissance, route scouting, and logistical support missions on the polar plateau during the historic Argentine transantarctic flight.

5. FAIRCHILD AEROSPACE (Pilatus Flugzeugwerke AG) PC6 B1 TURBO PORTER

At the end of August 1971, the British Government requested help from our country to rescue and save the lives of two British scientists who were in the small base of Fossil Bluff, in the interior of the Antarctic plateau (territory claimed by Argentina, Chile and the United Kingdom). The sick were: Roger O’DONOVAN, 25 years old, suffering from viral hepatitis and Richard WALKER, of the same age with a broken leg. The Navy ordered its Naval Aviation to analyze the possible rescue using a Fairchild PC-6B 1 single-engine plane that had just been incorporated from the factory and was already operating from the Petrel Antarctic Base. The responsibility fell on Navy Lieutenant Roberto Juan Seisdedos, Frigate Lieutenant Juan Carlos Ansay, Mechanic Warrant Officer Gerardo Palladino and Doctor Aurelio Bosso. The rescued wounded were transferred at the Marambio Base to a C-130 of the Argentine Air Force with final destination Buenos Aires.

Technical Specifications

MANUFACTURER: Fairchild Industries, under license from Pilatus Fluzengwerke.

PURPOSE: Light transport and general purpose.
CREW: 2
CAPACITY: 7 passengers or 1000 kg of cargo.

DIMENSIONS
WINGSPAN: 15.2 m
LENGTH: 10.9 m
HEIGHT: 3.20 m
WEIGHT: 2767 kg
PERFORMANCE
MAXIMUM SPEED: 280 km/h
RANGE: 898 km
ENGINE: 1 Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada PT-6-A-20 turboprop of 559 hp. Three-bladed, variable-pitch, reversible propeller.

ARMAMENT: None.

NUMBER OF DEVICES: 4
CHARACTERISTICS: 4-G-1 to 4-G-4, 6-G-1 to 6-G-4, 2-G-2
PERIOD OF USE: 1971 onwards

4. GRUMMAN HU-16B ALBATROS

At the end of August 1962, the Argentine Government acquired six (6) Grumman HU-16B Albatros aircraft and assigned three (3) to the Navy and three (3) to the Air Force. The Navy incorporated them to its Naval Aviation, on April 2, 1963, constituting the Naval Air Search and Rescue Squadron. They were in active service until 1977 and carried out innumerable maritime control and rescue operations and several missions in the Antarctic continent and the Malvinas Islands. In particular, they supported the crossing to Antarctica of smaller aircraft such as the Twin Otter to the Petrel Air Base in 1969 and 1970. Staying in flight throughout the operation. In those years four (4) crossings were made. And then in 1971 two (2) crossings to Malvinas in support of an international wildlife rescue operation. They operated from the Deception Island Naval Base as trifibian aircraft. Land, water and snow.

Technical Specifications

MANUFACTURER: Fairchild Industries, under license from Pilatus Fluzengwerke.

PURPOSE: Light transport and general purpose.
CREW: 2
CAPACITY: 7 passengers or 1000 kg of cargo.

DIMENSIONS
WINGSPAN: 15.2 m
LENGTH: 10.9 m
HEIGHT: 3.20 m
WEIGHT: 2767 kg
PERFORMANCE
MAXIMUM SPEED: 280 km/h
RANGE: 898 km
ENGINE: 1 Pratt & Whitney Aircraft of Canada PT-6-A-20 turboprop of 559 hp. Three-bladed, variable-pitch, reversible propeller.

ARMAMENT: None.

NUMBER OF DEVICES: 4
CHARACTERISTICS: 4-G-1 to 4-G-4, 6-G-1 to 6-G-4, 2-G-2
PERIOD OF USE: 1971 onwards

4. GRUMMAN HU-16B ALBATROS

At the end of August 1962, the Argentine Government acquired six (6) Grumman HU-16B Albatros aircraft and assigned three (3) to the Navy and three (3) to the Air Force. The Navy incorporated them to its Naval Aviation, on April 2, 1963, constituting the Naval Air Search and Rescue Squadron. They were in active service until 1977 and carried out innumerable maritime control and rescue operations and several missions in the Antarctic continent and the Malvinas Islands. In particular, they supported the crossing to Antarctica of smaller aircraft such as the Twin Otter to the Petrel Air Base in 1969 and 1970. Staying in flight throughout the operation. In those years four (4) crossings were made. And then in 1971 two (2) crossings to Malvinas in support of an international wildlife rescue operation. They operated from the Deception Island Naval Base as trifibian aircraft. Land, water and snow.

Technical Specifications

MANUFACTURER: The Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation

PURPOSE: Reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue

CREW: 6
DIMENSIONS
WINGSPAN: 24.38 m
LENGTH: 18.5 m
HEIGHT: 7.4 m
WEIGHT: 12,281 kg
PERFORMANCE
MAXIMUM SPEED: 423 km/h
RANGE: 4,300 km
ENROLLMENT: 16 hours at 250 km/h
ENGINE: 2 x Wright R-1820-76A Cyclone engines of 1,425 hp each. Three-bladed, variable-pitch, reversible propellers.
ARMAMENT: None. NUMBER OF DEVICES: 4
CHARACTERISTICS: 2-G-201 to 2-G204, 4-BS-1 to 4-BS-4
PERIOD OF USE: 1960 – 1977

3. DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT COMPANY C-47 SKYTRAIN

Between December 5, 1961 and January 22, 1962, the Argentine Naval Aviation would fulfill President Frondizi’s order of reaching the South Pole during the Antarctic Campaign of that year. The task was in charge of the Second Transport Aeronaval Squadron with C-47 aircraft. The Command of that Unit was in charge of the CFAV Hermes Quijada and the detailed crews above. They reached the South Pole after three stages on January 6, 1962.

2. SUPERMARINE AVIATION WORK LTD WALRUS (MORSA) II

In March 1947 aboard the ARA “Patagonia” commanded by Lieutenant Commander Leandro M.B. Maloberti, a slightly more suitable aircraft is transferred, since it has its cabin closed in the fuselage, it is the Walrus M-O-2, whose crew is composed by: Frigate Lieutenant Oscar Tachella, Corporal 1º Mechanic R. J. Román and Mr. Pedro Pouchulu photographer. One of the tasks assigned was to intensify the aerial reconnaissance activity and to start using aerial photogrammetry in the hydrographic surveys, a task that will decide the incorporation of airplanes and equipment capable of carrying out this type of surveys for the next decade. In December of that year the Sea Fleet was deployed, with the Cruisers “Brown” and “25 de Mayo” with Walrus aircrafts, to continue the exploration tasks.

Technical Specifications

MANUFACTURER: Vickers-Armstrong Ltd.
PURPOSE: Carrier-based and amphibious reconnaissance flying boat
CREW: 4
DIMENSIONS
WINGSPAN: 17 m
LENGTH: 11.6 m
HEIGHT: 4.6 m
WEIGHT: 3,266 kg
PERFORMANCE
MAXIMUM SPEED: 230 km/h
RANGE: 1,020 km
ENROLLMENT: 5.5 hours at 150 km/h
ENGINE: 1 x 775 hp Bristol Pegasus VI engine. Four-bladed propeller.
ARMAMENT: 2 x Vickers K machine guns .303″ and two 172 kg MK VII depth charges.
NUMBER OF DEVICES: 8
CHARACTERISTICS: M-O-2 to M-O-9, 7-O-1 to 7-O-6, 2-O-1
PERIOD OF USE: 1947 – 1958

1. STEARMAN AIRCRAFT 76 D-1

The A.R.A. Transport "01 de mayo" carried out its 4th Antarctic Naval campaign in January-March 1942, under the command of Frigate Captain Alberto J. ODDERA. It carried on board a naval aircraft, a 76-D1 stearman, registration "1-E-41", equipped with two floats that transformed it into a hydro, an RT transceiver and a radiogoniometer. The aircraft was piloted by Frigate Lieutenant Eduardo LANUSSE, its mechanic was Corporal Aeronautical Erik BLOMQUIST, and its photographer was Corporal 1st Class Antonio Silva. Having arrived at the operating theater on February 7, 1942, it was lowered to the waters of Puerto Foster (Deception Island) and there it carried out the first Antarctic flight of an Argentine aircraft, photographing Deception Island from the air, especially the areas of Rada Buen Tiempo and Caleta Péndulo.