The Douglas C-47 Skytrain, the military version of the DC-3, marked a turning point in Antarctic aviation. In 1969, aircraft TA-05 made the historic first landing at the future Marambio Base, demonstrating the feasibility of operating medium-sized wheeled aircraft on consolidated Antarctic soil. The crew, comprised of pilots and navigators specializing in polar operations, faced extreme conditions of whiteout conditions, extreme temperatures, and navigation without modern aids. This mission laid the foundation for the concept of a "permanent Antarctic air bridge" that today connects the continent with mainland Argentina. The C-47 subsequently carried out supply flights, transported scientists, and established regular air routes. It stands as the foundational symbol of national Antarctic air logistics.
Notable Missions
First STAM 500 to Antarctica (1964)
On September 18, 1964, the first Military Air Transport Service (STAM 500) was carried out from Río Gallegos to Teniente Matienzo Base, inaugurating regular transport to Antarctica.
Operation South: Transpolar Flight (1965)
It carried out the first Argentine transantarctic flight, crossing the continent, reaching the South Pole, and arriving at the US McMurdo Station. It also transported Colonel Jorge Leal, head of the Argentine land expedition to the South Pole.