During the presentation ceremony of the fifth SAAB 340B and fourth TC-12B Huron of the Argentine Air Force, the Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Argentine Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Juan Martin Paleo and the Chief of the Air Force, Brigadier Xavier Isaac, confirmed that negotiations are underway to incorporate at least two Basler BT-67 transport aircraft for operations in Antarctica.
One of the main reasons that aroused the interest of the Argentine Armed Forces and the Joint Antarctic Command for the Basler is the low cost of operation and flight time of the aircraft. According to General Paleo, compared to the flight hour of a C-130 Hercules, around $8,000, that of the BT-67 would be only $2,000.
Another crucial advantage is that this aircraft is very robust, being able to land on all kinds of improvised runways. The Basler BT-76 can even land on glaciers. This feature, together with its good payload capacity and long range, would be very useful for providing support to the southernmost Antarctic bases.
Paleo also highlighted the platform’s multirole capability, which through the installation of specialized kits can perform firefighting, search and rescue (SAR) and even intelligence missions, through the integration of electronic and optical surveillance equipment.
Basler BT-76
Basler Turbo Conversions takes the legendary DC-3 and puts it through the most comprehensive remanufacturing process in the industry. The BT-67 modernization includes a complete airframe overhaul, aerodynamic improvements, structural modifications that increase strength and improve performance, and new systems that enhance reliability.
The avionics and cockpit are completely modernized to the latest standards, and the old radial engines are replaced with Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R engines with Hartzell propellers.
According to the company, the final product is an essentially new aircraft, with a gross takeoff weight increased to 30,000 pounds (13,600 kg) and an unbeatable combination of simplicity, reliability and operational performance.
