An Evaluation of Cargo Aircraft for Antarctic Field Party Support Operations.

Abstract : The Division of Polar Programs of the National Science Foundation needs a small aircraft to support field party operations. A world-wide survey narrowed the field to five candidate aircraft: DeHavilland Twin Otter, Short Skyvan and SD3-30, IAI Arava, and CASA Aviocar. No aircraft met all 'mandatory' and all 'desirable' requirements, but the Twin Otter met all mandatories and was only aircraft with proven ski landing configuration. It was recommended for procurement. (Author)