建在南极冰盖上的航站楼 总台记者探秘我国中山冰雪机场

Core Viewpoint - China's 42nd Antarctic Expedition is underway, with the "Snow Eagle 601" aircraft playing a crucial role in personnel and material transportation, marking its tenth anniversary in service [1][20]. Group 1: Aircraft Overview - "Snow Eagle 601" is China's first fixed-wing aircraft for Antarctic missions, with a length of 21 meters, a wingspan of 29 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 13 tons [16]. - The aircraft has a maximum range of approximately 3,700 kilometers and can carry 19 passengers or equivalent cargo [16]. - Since its introduction, "Snow Eagle 601" has completed 8 Antarctic missions, totaling over 1,100 days of operation and more than 2,500 flight hours, covering a total distance of about 800,000 kilometers [20]. Group 2: Operational Capabilities - The aircraft has evolved from a single transportation role to encompass various functions, including aviation scientific research, international cooperation, logistical support, and emergency rescue [20]. - "Snow Eagle 601" operates from the Zhongshan Ice and Snow Airport, which officially began regular summer operations in March 2023, allowing for autonomous flight operations without reliance on foreign airfields [15][20]. - The aircraft's design has been modified for better adaptability to polar environments, including a ski-equipped landing system [13][16]. Group 3: Infrastructure and Support - The Zhongshan Ice and Snow Airport features a 1,600-meter runway marked with flags to indicate landing zones, and the facility includes basic amenities such as a kitchen and rest area for crew members [3][7]. - Water for daily use is sourced from snow melted in a designated container, supplemented by bottled water supplies [11][9]. - The airport's infrastructure is essential for supporting the operational capabilities of "Snow Eagle 601" in the harsh Antarctic environment [11].