abstract
Flight operations by the South African Air Force in support of national research in Antarctica have been carried out since the early 1970s. Initially support was rendered by Westland Wasp helicopters, but in 1980 two Puma SA330 J-model helicopters with radar, a Tans G navigational system and de-icing equipment were specifically purchased and deployed. These aircraft are still in use. The helicopters are used, inter alia, to transport equipment, including skidoos, sledges and provisons for field teams. They render essential logistical support and participate in loading and unloading supplies from the mv SA Agulhas. The South African Air Force has also rendered support to international programmes, such as the census of mink whales in cooperation with a Japanese whaler and the installation of automatic weather stations on the islands of Southern Thule and Zavodovsky. The German base NEUMAYER is also visited annually to transfer the German team members from the SA Agulhas. The need for helicopter support is likely to increase in the future.
