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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 2004-05: VUWAE 49
The 12 ft by 8ft Polarhaven
The 12 ft by 8ft Polarhaven
framed tent was used at both the Evans Piedmont Glacier and the Mt Erebus Saddle sites (Fig.11). It was heated with a flued SIGMA stove burning kerosene (consumption approx.10 l/day) and was used for cooking, messing and operating and maintaining equipment including lap top computers. The tent is a very useful size for helicopter and small fixed wing aircraft (Twin Otter) transport and suitable for parties up to 6 personnel. The tent remained secure on Erebus saddle in winds estimated to be over 50 knots but is over 10 years old and should be replaced for remote location use. The insulation sandwiched between the walls has broken down in several places so that the heat cannot be retained in winds above 35 knots and the main door zips have become worn through normal use and have now failed in the cold with snow and ice build-up. The entrance door had to be sewed shut.
- This tent should be replaced for use at remote and robust sites and a cold porch entrance considered.
- An exit for a flued heater like that on the existing tent is required.
- An insulated floor that is aircraft friendly is required. This could be a soft folding pocketed floor that accepts high-density closed cell foam panels about 4′×3′ and 1″ thick.
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Fig. 11: Polarhaven at Mt Erebus Saddle
Since 2000 both K049 and K047 have had up to 5-7 personnel supported from aircraft portable field camps for drilling and other scientific activities. The small (12′×8′) Polarhaven has provided a major contribution to the success of the field support and was used as a kitchen/mess and laboratory. Some new equipment is suggested to improve the support of 5-7 person groups in this type of field camp.
- Portable camp kitchen (box) for 7 people, including sink and bench surface.
- Two burner LPG burner or preferably two burner/oven combination.
- Kerosene heater (SIGMA). Previously supplied by VUW.