These National Guard C-130's fly in support of the National Science Foundation in Antarctica. They took over from USN Squadron VXE-6 back in the 80's (I believe). There is another, smaller plane to the NE of the 130's that may be an Otter? The 130's are equipped with three large ski's fitted over and around their wheels. They may also be equipped with JATO (Jet Assisted Take Off) rockets on both sides just below and behind the wings. I flew out of Williams Field in 1972 and 73 summer seasons. I think it's unusual to see 5 birds parked together here.

Nice find

Thank you Jay.
Any thoughts (anyone) on the identity of the other plane?
Thanks

De Havilland Twin Otter Nice find

Nice find DenKnip.

If you want to watch a Hercules taking off from Antarctica with JATO rockets, see this :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1meoIL_JbZA

YES! What a great airplane it is too.
Thanks Delta.

Fantastic! I remember it was really a kick in the pants when they lit off. Sure got us off the ice quickly.
Thanks for the link Stan.

That is a pretty cool find, It seems like they are out in the middle of no-where though that is Antarctica. I also noticed just to the right of the planes there is another layer but its all blurred out. Is this another one of those censored things or is it just a poor scan of that particular spot on Earth?
Or is it because I have the free version of GE!

I believe they take off from here.


Lat 42°51'4.59"N
Lon 73°55'27.75"W

Now there are 4 C-130's and the Twin Otter is not in the picture.
Yes, the birds take off from here at Williams Field. The scans to the right are improving as you can see the huts and buildings in support of the men stationed at Willy.
Willy is on 'permanent' ice. There is another runway on the annual ice that is used in the early summer season. At least there used to be. It was in a bit closer proximity to the 'Hill' or McMurdo base.