Basic Information

Location: (74°58"S, 70°46"W)

History

Sky-Blu is an area of blue ice situated close to Sky-Hi Nunataks, suitable to be used as an ice runway for wheeled aircraft. First located by BAS in 1993, the runway has rapidly assumed a position of vital importance in support of BAS deep-field operations, because Dash-7 aircraft can use it. Sky-Blu became fully operational as a logistics facility in 1997 when a high altitude base at Sky-Hi Nunataks was abandoned.

Other Information

The groomed blue ice runway is up to 1.2 km in length and 50 m wide, permanently marked by flags. At the start of each summer season snowdrifts have to be removed from the runway. In support of the runway, and 1.5km southwest of the runway apron, is the main camp, which remains all year. The main hut includes a "melon" hut and also a number of tents, a garage, food depot, radio aerial, toilet facility, etc.