The Weasel

Small, red, vehcile with tracks about the size of an 4WD car tows planks of wood along the ice by the ship.
Unloading the Weasel vehicle and building materials from the Kista Dan onto the sea ice in February 1954 (Photo: P. Law)
Thwe Weasyel is nearly up to its roof in ice and water while an expeiditioner pushes a plank to it.

The Weasel was the first mechanical oversnow vehicle to be used by ANARE on the continent. Developed by the Studebaker Corporation in the USA in 180 days, from May 1942 from designs of Geoffrey Pyke, and designated Light Cargo Carrier M29. Three versions were produced and the wartime production-run totalled 15,000 units.

The first Antarctic deployment of a Weasel was by the US when eight were used during Operation Highjump 1947-1948. The International Geophysical Year of 1957-1958 saw the Weasel in use by British, American, French and Australian expeditions.

Reference: Stewart, John (1990) ANTARCTICA An Encyclopedia Volume II

Further information: Ground transport

This page was last modified on April 17, 2012.