With the aim of providing logistical support to the Brazilian Antarctic Program (PROANTAR), the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) deployed an Embraer KC-390 Millenium transport aircraft.
Before reaching the White Continent, the unit assigned to the First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT) – Zeus Squadron, made a stopover at Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport (SCCI), in Punta Arenas, Chile, before flying to Antarctica.
Regarding this, the Commander of the aircraft, Air Force Major Fábio de Matos Ferreira, emphasized the importance of the mission in support of scientific development, stating that “This collaboration is exemplary between the FAB, the Brazilian Navy, and the Pelotas Airport, reinforcing Brazil’s commitment to scientific research and environmental preservation in the Antarctic region, contributing to the understanding of environmental phenomena with national and global repercussions.”
It is worth noting that since its first flight to Antarctica in 2022, the FAB is the only Air Force in South America operating jet transport aircraft on the continent for the supply of its Antarctic bases on Rey Jorge Island. Its transport capacity of 26 metric tons, combined with its low-pressure tires distributed on two bogies of 5.9 bar (85 psi) at the front and four of 7.2 bar (105 psi) on each side, facilitate the use of the aircraft on soft and unpaved terrain, such as Antarctic runways.
*Cover image used for illustrative purposes only.
You may also like: The U.S. IFV proposal for the Argentine Army also includes different versions of the 8×8 Stryker armored vehicle
