The Avro Lincoln T-02, a British heavy bomber adapted by the Argentine Air Force, played a fundamental role during the 1950s in long-range exploration, reconnaissance, and aerial mapping flights over Antarctica.
In official documentation, the aircraft appears as Avro Lincoln B-003, re-registered LV-ZEI “Cruz del Sud,” but it is the same aircraft that is usually referred to as Lincoln “T-02” in historical records.
Crewed by navigators skilled in celestial navigation, it flew great distances without radio support, navigating by stars and polar routes. It provided essential geographical information about the white continent, recorded coastlines, and supported initial scientific campaigns. Its flights operated from Patagonia to the Antarctic territory, opening unprecedented air routes. It also transported small critical cargoes to bases under construction. The Lincoln represents the heroic era of Antarctic aviation: extensive missions, limited technology, and immense human value.
Notable Missions
Operation “Link” (1951)
First formal Argentine air operation in Antarctica. The Lincoln crossed the Drake Passage, reached Marguerite Bay, and linked up with General San Martín Base by air, dropping supplies.
Emergency Resupply (1953)
Critical flight to airdrop almost a ton of provisions to aid San Martín Base in an emergency situation. The flight was nonstop for more than 13 hours over open water and Antarctic ice.