Leidos is the prime contractor supporting the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) with several teammates. Together the support contract is known as the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC).
See: Antarctic Support Contract | Leidos
First up, the large-and-in-charge C-17 Globemaster! Operated by the 62nd Airlift Wing out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, the C-17 can carry more than 10,000 lbs. of cargo or up to 125 personnel virtually anywhere in the world. They move more than 2.5 million lbs. of supplies to Antarctica every year to keep USAP operational. These large aircraft provide vital air-drop capabilities, and they are the only U.S. aircraft capable of a mid-winter evacuation.
ASC is celebrating the many aircraft that it relies on to support the National Science Foundation (NSF) United States Antarctic Program.
We’ve highlighted the large cargo planes, but small fixed/rotary wing aircraft are also essential to supporting USAP science teams out in the field. USAP utilizes a fleet of three helicopters, each capable of landings at altitudes of 12,500 ft. above sea level; a DC-3T (BT-67) Basler medium lift aircraft, which can transport 20 passengers or 5,000 lbs. cargo; and the USAP de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter, which provides access to deep field science camps in hard-to-reach areas.