Scientific research in Antarctica with the Airbus H125

On World Water Day, Airbus sheds light on the H125 and its contribution to scientific research missions in the Antarctic. Whether to study and monitor the evolution of glaciers, or to provide support in the transport of research teams and the delivery of essential goods, the H125 keeps demonstrating its high performance and agility in icing conditions.

Antarctica truly deserves the nickname 'International Science Land', bestowed upon it by UNESCO's magazine 'The Courier' in 1962. This followed the entry into force in 1961 of the international treaty that designated the Antarctic continent an exclusive place for peaceful purposes and where cooperation in scientific research is key.

Let the research begin 

Because of this, during the last months of 2024, the world's southernmost territory received various research teams, one of them being the SWIDA-RINGS project, an aerial campaign. The objective of these researchers was to map and study the majority of the main outlet glaciers of Antarctica, with the aim of providing key data to understand the mass balance of the ice sheet around the Antarctic continent, in addition to obtaining data to correct errors in satellite data and climate models.

This is where two H125 helicopters become relevant to the research. The scheduled flights between December 4, 2024, and January 17, 2025, not only collected aerial data, but also transported passengers to take samples and make measurements with gravimeters.

Circumnavigating the Antarctic

At the same time as this mission was being completed, the Chilean operator DAP, owner of the two H125 helicopters, also achieved an international aeronautical milestone by circumnavigating the Antarctic continent for the first time with their aircraft. It was more than 8,000 miles, facing all the extreme conditions typical of that area. DAP is positioned as one of the international leaders in Antarctic air operations from Chile, thus ensuring the highest standards of operational safety for all those who visit the frozen continent. 

The helicopters visited 12 different Antarctic bases, providing support in the construction of the ice runway, as well as other logistical aspects of air operations. “There were 260 flight hours. The mission required a great deal of planning to maintain the aircraft remotely, comply with crew rest periods and guarantee operational and technical safety, all in a remote, unknown area with a complex climate,” said the executive director of DAP, Nicolás Pivcevic.