Difference between revisions of "Mount Howe"

* Positive features:

* Positive features:

** Proven ice runway 6,000 x 60 m (20,000 x 200 ft) with maximum longitudinal grade not exceeding 2% and transverse grade not exceeding 1%.

** Proven ice runway 6,000 x 60 m (20,000 x 200 ft) with maximum longitudinal grade not exceeding 2% and transverse grade not exceeding 1%.

** High probability of finding ice runway of same dimensions with grade not exceeding 1%.

** High probability of finding ice runway of same dimensions with grade not exceeding 1%.

** Proven ice runway perpendicular to long runway and directed into the prevailing wind 2140 x 60 m (7,000 x 200 ft) with maximum longitudinal and transverse grade not exceeding 1%.

** Proven ice runway perpendicular to long runway and directed into the prevailing wind 2140 x 60 m (7,000 x 200 ft) with maximum longitudinal and transverse grade not exceeding 1%.

** Both runways have clear approaches (1:50 glide slope). Long runway has low angle climb-out path whereas into-wind runway has 1:20 climb-out path.

** Both runways have clear approaches (1:50 glide slope). Long runway has low angle climb-out path whereas into-wind runway has 1:20 climb-out path.

** Crevasse-free route available for surface travel to [[South Pole]] (160 miles).

** Crevasse-free route available for surface travel to [[South Pole]] (160 miles).

* Negative features:

* Negative features:

** Prevailing wind (120°) is across long runway.

** Prevailing wind (120°) is across long runway.

** Shorter (into-wind) runway, while it is almost three times as long as the nominal landing distance of a loaded C5B at sea level (2380 ft), would involve landing towards Mount Howe. However, this runway would only be used when the crosswind component on the long runway exceeded safe limits.

** Shorter (into-wind) runway, while it is almost three times as long as the nominal landing distance of a loaded C5B at sea level (2380 ft), would involve landing towards Mount Howe. However, this runway would only be used when the crosswind component on the long runway exceeded safe limits.

** No level areas available for permanent structures on bedrock.

** No level areas available for permanent structures on bedrock.

** Adds 160 miles to round-trip distance South Pole.

** Adds 160 miles to round-trip distance South Pole.

** Runway surfaces need planing to remove ice bumps of typical size 0.3 x 20 m (1 x 60 feet). Natural surface permits only Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft operations.

** Runway surfaces need planing to remove ice bumps of typical size 0.3 x 20 m (1 x 60 feet). Natural surface permits only Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft operations.