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Science

RSV Nuyina's airborne science capabilities

A dedicated 435 m2 enclosed hangar is capable of housing up to 4 light or 2 medium lift helicopters depending on operational requirements.

Helicopters provide essential support to research operations on the Southern Ocean and in Antarctica. They can be utilised in many ways such as:

  • Transporting scientists, support crew, and equipment to remote locations
  • Aerial surveys
  • Scouting operations
  • Snow and ice surveys using specialised sensors attached to the helicopter’s undercarriage

The 780 m2 helideck aft of the hangar provides a perfect platform for deployment of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs; also known as drones), or launching of atmospheric research balloons when helicopter operations are not underway.

An aerial drone photo of an orange and white ship sailing through the ocean. A red helicopter hovers above the ship.
A helicopter providing essential support to research operations from RSV Nuyina in Antarctica. Photo: Pete Harmsen
An orange and white ship with ice formations in the background. A red helicopter flies above, carrying cargo from the ship.
2 red helicopters on helideck of icebreaker in Antarctica, ice bergs and rocky islands, calm waters and blue skies.
A red helicopter sits on the deck of a ship. In the background is blue water and a number of islands with snow.
Inside the cargo hold of a ship, 2 helicopters are parked side by side. Hobart city is visible through the open roller door.

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This content was last updated 2 years ago on .