In 2020, IDP worked to design a ramp for safer and easier loading and unloading of cargo at polar field sites. IDP consulted with Kenn Borek Air Ltd. to ensure the design would meet flight crew requirements and be easily adapted to Twin Otter and Basler aircraft. The ramp was assembled in early 2021 in Madison and preliminary load testing was conducted. The ramp was first deployed to the field for testing with the Tunu project in NE Greenland in spring 2022 and was used at Allan Hills during the 2022-2023 Antarctic season. Minor delamination (seen in photo at right) was repaired, and the ramp was used in Greenland with the GreenDrill project in spring 2023 and again at Allan Hills during the 2023-2024 field season.
In 2024, IDP designed and fabricated a simpler, lighter weight ramp based on the design of an aircraft ramp used by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The new ramp assembly is made of two long sections of aluminum I-beam with cross members. The ramp was recently tested in northeast Greenland in spring 2024 with the GreenDrill project. Following its return, IDP plans to slightly modify the design so the beams can be made as two pieces for ease in shipping shorter lengths.
Photos
The 2024 IDP cargo ramp; a lighter weight ramp for safer and easier loading and unloading of cargo at polar field sites. Photo credit: IDP
Image of the first generation IDP cargo camp. Photo credit: Elizabeth Morton.