Latest news with #C-130JHercules
New York Post
2 days ago
- Science
- New York Post
Three people evacuated from Antarctica base in high-risk rescue involving 24-hours of darkness, sub-zero temperatures
Three people were evacuated from a US research base in Antarctica during a high-risk operation in round-the-clock darkness and sub-zero temperatures, according to authorities. The Royal New Zealand Air Force conducted the perilous operation Tuesday afternoon after the United Nations Science Foundation requested a medical evaluation for three staff members at McMurdo Station, including one who needed urgent medical help, the RNZAF said in a statement Wednesday. 3 Three people were evacuated from a US research base in Antarctica during a high-risk operation in round-the-clock darkness and sub-zero temperatures. via REUTERS Advertisement A crew aboard the C-130J Hercules braved total darkness and bone-chilling temperatures to reach the station overnight, authorities said. Flights conducted in the continent's mid-winter season, which is between March and October, are often the most dangerous due to varying weather conditions and on-ice landings, Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott said. 'The crew can only attempt the flight after a detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state. The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team must physically create the runway before we can depart by ensuring the ice is groomed and suitable for landing,' Scott said in a statement. Advertisement 3 A crew aboard the C-130J Hercules braved total darkness and bone-chilling temperatures to reach McMurdo Station overnight. AP Although the team determines if the flight and landing can be carried out safely, it can still be 'extremely challenging' to fly using night vision goggles, the commander added. 'This, coupled with there being no airfields available to divert to once the aircraft is past a certain point south, adds to the risk, so these missions are not taken lightly,' Scott said. A doctor was aboard the flight to provide medical assistance to the research staff, whose ailments were not immediately known, according to the RNZAF. Advertisement The plane landed in Christchurch on Wednesday morning after completing the nearly 20-hour harrowing round trip, authorities added. 3 A doctor was aboard the flight to provide medical assistance to the research staff. via REUTERS The US Embassy in New Zealand later expressed its gratitude for the air force crews' courageous mission. 'This mission wasn't just difficult; it was one of the most technically demanding operations an aircrew can face. In extreme conditions, with little margin for error, the RNZAF executed this mid-winter Antarctic medevac flawlessly,' the embassy's Chargé d'Affaires, Melissa Sweeney, said in a statement. Advertisement 'This required absolute precision. It was daring, dangerous, and deeply courageous. This is the kind of mission that tests every ounce of skill and bravery. RNZAF delivered, just as they always do,' Sweeney said.
2 days ago
- Science
3 researchers medically evacuated from US station in Antarctica
Three researchers at the U.S. McMurdo Station in Antarctica have been evacuated in a "challenging," nearly 20-hour medical emergency rescue mission this week conducted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force, officials said on Wednesday. One of the researchers needed urgent medical care, and two others also needed medical attention, according to the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Their names were not released. The rescuers faced a daunting task, dealing with extreme cold, rapidly changing weather conditions and having to land a C-130J Hercules rescue plane, which weighs about 160,000 pounds, on the ice and in the dark, according to the RNZAF. "The crew can only attempt the flight after detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state. The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team must physically create the runway before we can depart by ensuring the ice is groomed and suitable for landing," Andy Scott, the RNZAF's Air Component Commander Commodore, said in a statement. "Although they determine it is safe, it's still an extremely challenging environment to fly in on Night Vision Goggles due to the extreme weather conditions, which are highly changeable at this time of year and makes accurate forecasting a challenge," Scott said. The medical conditions of the three researchers, all members of the U.S. National Science Foundation, were not disclosed. They arrived in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Wednesday, where they were being treated at a hospital, according to the RNZAF. The air force crew, which included a medical officer on board the flight, flew through the night on Tuesday to reach Antarctica, officials said. Once the aircraft landed safely, the crew kept the engines running while simultaneously refueling, a process known as "hot refueling," according to the RNZAF. The plane was on the ground long enough to quickly refuel, evacuate the three patients to the aircraft and take off back to New Zealand, officials said. The total operation took about 19.5 hours, officials said. "This, coupled with there being no airfields available to divert to once the aircraft is past a certain point south adds to the risk, so these missions are not taken lightly," Scott said.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Antarctica evacuation: Why 3 researchers at US base needed medical attention. First details out
A dramatic evacuation unfolded this week when the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) airlifted three researchers from the US-operated McMurdo Station in Antarctica, prompted by a medical emergency. The operation was conducted amid 24-hour darkness and temperatures as low as -24°C (-11°F), involved one individual requiring urgent medical care, and two others needing attention beyond the station's capabilities. Researchers were evacuated from a US-operated station in Antarctica(RNZAF) Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott, in a RNZAF press release, noted that the evacuation was 'one of the most challenging' missions the crew has performed. What happened on the Antarctica evacuation mission? 'The crew can only attempt the flight after detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state. The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team must physically create the runway before we can depart by ensuring the ice is groomed and suitable for landing,' he said. 'Although they determine it is safe, it's still an extremely challenging environment to fly in on Night Vision Goggles due to the extreme weather conditions, which are highly changeable at this time of year and makes accurate forecasting a challenge.' "This, coupled with there being no airfields available to divert to once the aircraft is past a certain point south adds to the risk, so these missions are not taken lightly,' he added. The McMurdo Station, a key hub supporting around 200 winter staff, relies on international support for emergencies during the Antarctic winter, when isolation and harsh conditions limit medical resources. The RNZAF's 19.5-hour mission, executed with a C-130J Hercules equipped with a doctor, successfully transported the trio to Christchurch, New Zealand. US Chargé d'Affaires Melissa Sweeney praised the effort as 'flawless'. 'We are so very grateful. Our Kiwi partners didn't hesitate to undertake this mission in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. Their skill and readiness are truly world-class,' she said.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
RNZAF Carries Out Mid-Winter Medical Evacuation From Antarctica
Crew on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules have carried out a challenging mid-winter medical evacuation from McMurdo Station in Antarctica. The medical evacuation was requested by the United States' National Science Foundation because staff, based at the United States' McMurdo Station, were unable to receive the medical care they needed in Antarctica. One person required urgent medical care and two others needing medical attention were also taken on the flight. Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott said the extreme cold, changeable weather conditions plus landing on the ice in the dark make mid-winter flights to Antarctica one of the most challenging RNZAF air crews perform. 'The crew can only attempt the flight after detailed analysis of the weather and airfield state. The United States Antarctic Program Winter Team must physically create the runway before we can depart by ensuring the ice is groomed and suitable for landing. 'Although they determine it is safe, it's still an extremely challenging environment to fly in on Night Vision Goggles due to the extreme weather conditions, which are highly changeable at this time of year and makes accurate forecasting a challenge. 'This, coupled with there being no airfields available to divert to once the aircraft is past a certain point south adds to the risk, so these missions are not taken lightly. 'With the support of Antarctica New Zealand and United States' National Science Foundation staff in Antarctica, we have been able to complete the flight and the patients are now getting the medical treatment they need in Christchurch.' The aircraft flew to Antarctica with New Zealand Defence Force medical personnel including a medical officer (doctor) on board to care for the patients on the flight back to Christchurch. The aircraft had been pre-positioned from Auckland to Christchurch on Sunday afternoon, with the crew waiting for a window in the weather to complete the flight. On Tuesday afternoon, the crew made the decision to fly, working through the night to complete the mission. Once on the ice, the aircraft's engines are kept running to keep them warm while it is refueled, known as 'hot refuelling', before the aircraft returns to Christchurch. Including the short time on the ice, the medical evacuation took about 19.5 hours to complete. The aircraft landed back in Christchurch this morning.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Perth Now
Air Force power to wow crowds in anniversary airshow
Dozens of Air Force planes in full flight are set to wow crowds at a special centenary celebration. RAAF Base Richmond, in Sydney's northwest, will host an airshow to celebrate 100 years since it became the second permanent such base in Australia. Highlights on September 27 and 28 include displays from the fleet of C-130J Hercules cargo aircraft as well as the top-line F-35A Lightning II fighter jet. A rare glimpse on Wednesday included an F-35 cruising over northwestern Sydney as the media watched from the hold of a C-130. The F-35 is Australia's most advanced air combat asset and will show off its airborne capabilities in the centenary spectacular. Capable of withstanding 9Gs, the maximum speed of the jet is nearly 2000 km/h, or about 1.6 times the speed of sound. It carries some of the RAAF's most sophisticated weaponry including laser-guided bombs and "Sidewinder" air-to-air missiles. The Lockheed Martin jet was accepted into Australian service in 2018 and the first squadron was based at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle. The C-130J is used extensively for deploying personnel and aid, and assisting with medical evacuations. The air-lifter, in use since 1999, can accommodate up to 88 paratroopers for aerial deployment. More traditional airshow fare will also be on offer for spectators, with the RAAF Roulettes Aerobatic Team set to show off their daring stunts. Only RAAF Base Point Cook, established in 1921 in Melbourne's Port Phillip Bay, is older than RAAF Richmond. Tickets for the RAAF Richmond Airshow 2025 are on sale from August 13.
