Construction of a Snow Runway at Camp Century for Wheel Landings with Lightweight Aircraft

摘要

Use of wheeled aircraft on the Greenland Ice Cap, particularly for support of Camp Century, may present certain advantages in view of the difficulties encountered with skis on the 'Caribou' type aircraft during 1962. During June, July, August, and September, when the support requirements of Camp Century are quite heavy, be tween 60 and 70% of the time is suitable for flying. A snow runway capable of supporting wheel landings with lightweight aircraft would be required. The construction of such a runway appears to be within the capability of the U. S. Army Polar Research and Development Center, with U. S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory providing technical assistance. The following discussion describes briefly the type of runway required, the method of construction, the effort involved, and suggested maintenance of the runway. (Author)