VUWAE 16B - PARTS 1 & 2

All air support was by twin turbine UH1-N helicopter. The Shapeless Mountain put-in was planned for C-130 because of the 4500 pound load, but was rescheduled by VX6 for four helos. In the early part of the season the limit of each helo load was normally about 1200 lbs, due mainly to lack of space. Later, the crewman was dispensed with and loads of 1800 lbs, i.e. a complete party of four and all equipment, could be moved as one. Two hours of close support was planned (Appendix I) for each of five areas and we were disappointed that close support was available on only two occasions for a total of 2 hours. This was apparently due to the heavy demands on helicopter work this season, as the requests were passed on from Scott Base.

Two Sno-tric motor toboggans were used for reaching the outcrop and moving camp. Both machines were powered by a 10 HP Kohler engine, replacing the 18 HP Sachs. The toboggans not surprisingly were underpowered, and reduced our mobility considerably (p. 16). The disadvantages of the Kohler-powered Sno-tric were clearly stated in last year's report (Barrett and Kohn, 1971), but it was not then realised that the low temperatures early in the season could incapacitate the machines due to the stiffening effect of the cold on the rubber track. A detailed report on the Sno-tric toboggans by A. Chinn has been passed to the Leader, Scott Base.