Supplies dropped to Australian Antarctic base after first midair refuelling – video

An isolated Antarctic research station can now receive vital supplies all year round thanks to the Royal Australian Air Force lending its wings to science. Before this week Davis station, which lies 4,700km south-west of Perth, could only been reached from Australia by ship between October and April, a journey that took 12 to 14 days. But now air force planes are able to fly from Victoria whenever supplies are needed. A C-17A Globemaster III dropped supplies at the station on Tuesday, the first time replenishments have come by air rather than sea. The 700kg airdrop included fresh food, medical supplies and mail for the 17 expeditioners who have spent six months at the Antarctic base. Davis station leader Kirsten le Mar says: 'In preparation for the airdrop today at Davis we've been measuring sea ice and grooming roads out to the drop zone.' She says: 'The airdrop means a greater connection to Australia ... What we're most looking forward to is mail and fresh fruit.'