Nazis in Antarctica. There are so many legends and speculations around this historical topic that in our time it is very difficult to separate truth and fiction. Expedition to Antarctica, New Swabia, base 211, Fuhrer's convoy, battle with Admiral Byrd's squadron and much more. What really happened and what was made up? Let's try to figure it out.

Expedition to Antarctica.

It is generally accepted that the era of great geographical discoveries has long passed. On the one hand, this is true. But the 20th century was not deprived geographical discoveries. They concerned mainly the Arctic and Antarctic. By the beginning of the twentieth century, they were the only “white spots” on the planet. After the First World War, humanity created a whole range of technical means that made it possible to explore the vast expanses of ice in the far north and far south. The Arctic was actively explored and developed Soviet Union, Norway, Italy, Germany and others European countries. This is known quite widely. Everyone knows about the flights of the airships “Norge” and “Italia”, the voyages of Soviet icebreakers and icebreaking ships. But few people know about the exploration of Antarctica in the 30s of the twentieth century. After Hitler came to power in Germany, the Nazis needed world-class propaganda campaigns. For example, such as the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, where for the first time in history the opening ceremony was televised in live. The German expedition to Antarctica also belonged to events of the same scale.

Strictly speaking, she was far from the first. The first expedition took place in 1901-1903, the second in 1911-1912. In 1937, the German whaling flotilla entered the southern seas for the first time, and after its successful return in the spring of 1938, preparations began for the third German Antarctic expedition. Formally, it was a civilian expedition (in Nazi Germany!) in collaboration with the German airline Lufthansa. The main task of the expedition was to explore a certain sector of Antarctica and then secure it as German territory. Since the expedition was planned to be large, it was decided to send a converted cargo-passenger ship to the shores of Antarctica.

The conversion involved the installation of a catapult and a crane for working with a heavy seaplane. "Swabia" (MV "Schwabenland") was a cargo-passenger ship. Since 1934, she operated in the Atlantic as a packet boat. After modernization, two heavy seaplanes were based on board the Swabia. They could be launched from a steam catapult at the stern of the ship, and after the flight they could be lifted on board using a crane. The re-equipment of the Swabia was carried out at one of the shipyards in Hamburg. There were about 200 people and 4 dogs on board the Swabia. The expedition was led by a polar captain Alfred Reacher, widely known in the 30s of the twentieth century for expeditions to the North Pole. Before the expedition departed, a strange incident occurred. An American polar explorer arrived in Hamburg Richard Bird, who received an invitation to participate in the expedition. But for some reason, just before sailing, he refused to participate in it. Some sources claim that Bird made this decision after learning that SS officers were on board. Swabia departed for Antarctica from Hamburg on December 17, 1938.

Arriving in Antarctica on January 19, 1939, the expedition began methodically photographing the continent in detail. A huge area of ​​the southern continent was surveyed from 13° W. up to 22° east (approximately 600,000 km²), pennants were dropped every 25-30 km, each weighing about 12 kilograms. This was done so that they could later be found using magnetometers and prove that the territory was assigned to Germany. More than 11,000 photographs were taken, covering approximately 360,000 km², an area larger than modern Germany. The expedition discovered the ice-free Schirmacher Oasis. The place where the landing was made on the shore of the continent was called “New Swabia”. In mid-February 1939, the expedition left Antarctica. The ship's return to Hamburg took two months. On April 12, 1939, Swabia returned to Hamburg, where Captain Reacher reported to Hitler about the research carried out. The polar explorer was so captivated by the results of the “ice expedition” that he immediately began planning a second, completely civilian, expedition using large quantity airplanes. However, the Second began World War, and these plans had to be cancelled.

This part of our story is strictly documentary. Nazi Germany actually organized an expedition to Antarctica and made an attempt to “stake out” part of its territory.

Base 211

Everything that will be discussed below is most likely a myth. But, as always, there are nuances that make you think that some of what is told, some parts, may turn out to be true. Rumors and legends say that during the expedition on the Swabia, two ice-free oases were found with the help of aviation.

In fact, the Schirmacher oasis was discovered. This area in the central part of the Princess Astrid Coast and Queen Maud Land is an ice-free area of ​​approximately 35 square kilometers. It is separated from the ocean by the 80 km wide Niklisen Glacier. The oasis has hills 220 m high, hollows, and numerous lakes. Along the northern part of the oasis there are reservoirs connected under the ice shelf to the sea, as evidenced by clearly pronounced tidal fluctuations in the water level. This oasis was named after a German pilot who took part in the expedition - pilot R. Schirmacher. Now on the territory of the Schirmacher oasis there is the Novolazarevskaya Antarctic station, as well as the second permanent Antarctic station of India, Maitri.

Rumors claim that in the two oases found, entrances to caves were opened. The temperature in these caves was quite comfortable. Some of them had lakes with sea ​​water– they were clearly connected to the ocean, some were “dry”. In 1943, German submarines arrived in Antarctica and, allegedly following tongues of warm water, found underwater entrances to these caves, and base 211, “New Berlin,” was created there. Communication with “New Berlin” was carried out on an ongoing basis by submarines from the so-called “Fuhrer convoy”.

It’s read in one sitting and perceived as science fiction, isn’t it? But there is evidence of the phrase Karla Dönitz, commander first submarine fleet Germany, and then the entire Kriegsmarine. In 1943, a German admiral stated: “German submariners will write themselves into history if only because in another part globe created the greatest and impregnable fortress for the Fuhrer".

How should we feel about these words? Did some submarine really reach the sixth continent? If the Germans had a Nord base in the Russian North (see the article “Swastika over the Arctic”), there are captured documents on it. There is nothing on base 211 except the name.

Fuhrer's convoy

This topic also bizarrely combines truth and fiction. Was there such a unit in the Kriegsmarine as a “Fuhrer's convoy”? Yes, with a high degree of probability. It is possible that these boats were officially called something else. Was the Fuhrer's convoy involved in transportation to Antarctica? No. In reality, the task of these submarines was the secret transportation of “special” passengers and cargo to other countries. One of the aspects of the activities of the Fuhrer's convoy is fascinatingly written in an adventure story Leonida Platov"Secret fairway" Since 1943, the German leadership began developing and implementing the “Gateway” plan - the secret transportation of people and goods to other countries. The boats included in the convoy were divided into three groups.

The first group consisted of ocean-class combat submarines - modernized boats of the families type VII and IX. The modernization consisted in the fact that the number of torpedo tubes and torpedoes was reduced, and due to the freed up space, the boats could take on board several passengers and small shipments of cargo.

The commanders and crews of these submarines were given special and specialized tasks, the details of which are still unknown. These boats had a limited number of torpedoes on board for self-defense only. All other torpedo weapons on them were removed.

The second group consisted of specially designed Type XIV transport submarines. One such tanker boat provided ten combat submarines with an increase in patrol time by a month. There were also specialized boats - torpedo carriers. In the German navy, Type XIV boats were called "cash cows". According to some reports, such “cash cows” were also part of the Fuhrer’s convoy.

The third group is semi-mythical. Supposedly there is a documentary where they were filmed. There is evidence from an American intelligence colonel Windell Stevens that during the war the Germans built 8 large submarines. They are comparable in size to the world's largest diesel-electric submarines - the Japanese I-400 class submarine cruisers. As the researchers write, the development of the project began in 1938, and by 1939 the project was ready. These boats were designated as UF type. They were based in concrete submarine shelters on the island of Heligoland. This unit was called squadron “A”. None of the Kriegsmarine reference books gives any information about UF type boats. The actual number of submarines involved in the Fuhrer's convoy is about 30 units. This is not much compared to the total number of submarines in Germany.

In reality, there are two confirmations of the existence of the Fuhrer's convoy.

Firstly, two boats from the convoy, under unknown circumstances, were interned in the Argentine port of Mar del Plata after the end of the war. These are U-530 (type IX) and U-977 (type VII). The Americans interrogated the crew for a long time, but did not learn anything worthwhile and released them to Germany. The boats were transferred to the USA, where they were first shown as examples of enemy technology, and then sunk as targets. Another thing is interesting. Subsequently, one of the commanders decided to publish his memoirs. A letter has been leaked to the press, which is worth quoting. The letter is dated June 1, 1983: “Dear Willie, I was wondering whether to publish your manuscript regarding U-530. All three boats (U-977, U-530 and U-465) that took part in that operation are now sleeping peacefully on the bottom of the Atlantic. Maybe it's better not to wake them up? Think about it, old comrade! Think also about the light in which my book will appear after what you have told me? We were all sworn to secrecy, we did nothing wrong and were only following orders to fight for our beloved Germany. For her survival. So think again, maybe it’s even better to imagine everything as fiction? What will you achieve when you tell the truth about what our mission was? And who will suffer because of your revelations? Think about it! Of course, you don't intend to do this just for the money. I repeat again: let the truth sleep with our submarines at the bottom of the ocean. This is my opinion... This is where I end my letter, old comrade Willy. May God protect our Germany. Sincerely, Heinz."

Submarine U-534. The submarine left Kiel on May 5, 1945. On board were part of the gold reserves of the Third Reich, secret German archives and several passengers. The boat was on the surface when it was attacked by British planes near the island of Anholt, where it sank at a depth of 60 meters. But 47 crew members managed to escape. It was they who subsequently spoke about the cargo of U-534.

Secondly, on June 11, 1945, counterintelligence officers SMERSH 79 rifle corps In the building of the headquarters of the German Navy, located at Berlin-Tiergarten, Tirpitzzufer 38-42, “maps of the passage of the deep sea” with the stamp “only for captains of A-class submarines of the Fuhrer’s Sonder Convoy” in the amount of 38 pieces with numbers were found in the office premises with series "44" No. from 0188 to 0199 and from No. 0446 to 0456".

Admiral Byrd's Expedition

Such an expedition actually took place in 1947. Operation Highjump. The United States sent a powerful squadron of warships to Antarctica. It was a very strange scientific expedition. Formally, it was necessary to establish a scientific station and conduct hydrographic research. Its basis was Task Force 68, consisting of 13 warships with 33 aircraft on board and 4,700 crew members. If we were talking about creating an American scientific station, then the navy was clearly superfluous. Or did the Americans know something about base 211? Unit 68 included the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47), 3 seaplane bases, 2 destroyers, 2 tankers, 2 supply vessels, a submarine and 2 armed icebreakers.

The leader of the expedition was retired Rear Admiral Richard Bird - the same one who refused at the last moment to participate in the Nazi expedition to Antarctica. Task Force 68 was commanded by Rear Admiral Richard Krusen.

Several people from the expedition - pilots and sailors - died from accidents. Due to a sharp deterioration in weather conditions, the expedition returned to the United States. These are the facts. But almost immediately after the return, and until now, another version of the return is circulating in the media space. Allegedly, the 68th operational unit took the fight to discos with German crosses. The squadron lost a destroyer and several aircraft. These are the versions, but they clearly do not correspond to reality.

Conclusion

And today the Germans continue to explore the territory of the former New Swabia - the German Antarctic station Normeier III operates there. The German government never formally renounced the lands of New Swabia. However, today this territory is called Queen Maud Land, and rights to it are claimed by Norway. Nazi Antarctic military base 211 “New Berlin” is nothing more than a myth Several years ago, scientists began to notice strange phenomena near the station - unidentified flying objects. What this is, no one can explain yet. But definitely not hello from a non-existent Nazi base.

Svyatoslav Knyazev

60 years ago, the Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington, the first international arms control instrument of its time. cold war. Shortly after the end of World War II Geographical Society The USSR adopted a resolution stating that the Soviet Union has the right to participate in the development political status mainland, since it was discovered by Russian sailors. The 1959 treaty determined the strategy for the development of the mainland - complete demilitarization and freedom scientific research. According to experts, today Russia is a leader in the work carried out in Antarctica, which is of great importance for the whole world.

• Soviet polar explorers in Antarctica
• RIA News
• To the park

On December 1, 1959, 12 states signed the Antarctic Treaty in Washington, which put an end to political battles over the status of the continent and determined the strategy for its development for decades to come.

Discovery of Antarctica

Scientists made assumptions about the presence of an unknown continent in the area of ​​the South Pole back in ancient times. However, they could not be verified for a long time. Dutch, French and British navigators, including famous explorer Pacific Ocean James Cook, attempted to penetrate the south and discover the mythical land, but their ventures were unsuccessful due to the harsh climate of the southern seas.

Everything changed after Russia joined the research. In 1819, the head of the first Russian round the world expedition Ivan Kruzenshtern proposed a plan for a trip to the southern polar waters to the Maritime Ministry. The authorities supported this initiative. However, honored captains who had experience of independent scientific expeditions, were at that time either involved in other research activities or could not go on a voyage due to health reasons.

• The sloops “Vostok” and “Mirny” off the coast of Antarctica they discovered in January 1820
• Wikimedia commons / M. M. Semenov

Guiding the new scientific project was entrusted to a young, capable officer who participated in the first trip around the world under the leadership of Krusenstern, - . He was assigned to command the sloop Vostok. The expedition also included the sloop Mirny under the command of Mikhail Lazarev.

On July 15, 1819, Bellingshausen's expedition left Kronstadt. Having clarified along the way the location of lands discovered by other navigators, and having discovered a number of new islands, Russian sailors reached the coast of Antarctica on January 28, 1820 at 69° 21" 28" south latitude and 2° 14" 50" west longitude.

Russian navigators were not entirely sure whether they had discovered an archipelago or a mainland. In February they approached the land they had discovered several times, and then retired to Polynesia to rest. After spending almost a year in various parts of the Pacific Ocean, the Russian Columbuses again headed south. In January, they discovered the island of Peter I and the Land of Alexander I. It became clear that the land area they discovered was very vast. In August 1821, the expedition returned to Russia.

Race for Antarctica

Soon after the Russians, the British expedition of Edward Bransfield and an American whaling ship led by Nathaniel Palmer approached the shores of Antarctica. In the middle of the 19th century, English, French, American and Norwegian sailors were exploring and mapping the coast of the new continent.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a number of expeditions were undertaken deep into the continent. In 1911, a race began between the British and Norwegians to be the first to raise their flag on South Pole. Polar explorer from Norway Roald Amundsen succeeded in this.

• Territorial claims made to the territory of Antarctica
• Wikimedia commons/Lokal_Profil

In the first half of the twentieth century, Australia, Argentina, Great Britain, New Zealand, Norway, France and Chile declared certain territories in Antarctica as their possessions. The leadership of Hitler's Germany hatched serious plans for the development of the southern continent.

Russia (and then the Soviet Union) temporarily dropped out of the Antarctic race for reasons of a military-political and economic nature. However, in the 1930s, against the background of the general rise of Soviet science and successes in the Arctic, proposals were made in Moscow to return to the southern polar latitudes. For technical reasons, it was not possible to do this before the outbreak of World War II, but in 1938 the People's Commissariat of Foreign Affairs of the USSR issued an official note of protest against Norway's attempts to declare part of Antarctica its territory. At the same time, the Soviet leadership proclaimed the idea that the southern continent belonged to all of humanity, which was brought to life more than two decades later.

In 1949, the Geographical Society of the USSR adopted a resolution stating that Russia is the discoverer of Antarctica and therefore has the right to participate in the development of its political status. International negotiations began regarding the future of the southern continent.

In the 1950s, the USSR, using the power of the whaling flotilla received from Germany as reparations, began the practical development of the southern polar waters.

At the beginning of 1956, the first landing of Soviet polar explorers in Antarctica took place and the Mirny station was founded. On May 27 of the same year, after a 370-kilometer journey, the first polar station in history, located away from the coast, “Pionerskaya,” was founded. On December 14, 1958, Soviet polar explorers were the first in the world to reach the South Pole of Inaccessibility - the point farthest from the ocean shores in Antarctica.

“Lagging behind other countries in the exploration of Antarctica in the first half of the 20th century, the USSR made up for lost time in the 1950s and became a leader,” said Konstantin Strelbitsky, chairman of the Moscow Fleet History Club, in an interview with RT.

Antarctic Treaty

On October 15, 1959, a conference on Antarctica began in Washington, in which 12 states that had scientific representation on the southern continent took part: Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Great Britain, New Zealand, Norway, USSR, USA, France, Chile, Union of South Africa and Japan.

On December 1, 1959, the conference participants signed an agreement that was of an open-ended nature and consisted of a preamble and 14 articles. Its key norm was the complete demilitarization of Antarctica: a ban on the deployment of military bases and any types of weapons, as well as on the burial of radioactive materials on the continent.

Thus, the treaty became the first international normative act on arms limitation during the Cold War.

The treaty also provided for freedom of scientific research in Antarctica and emphasized the importance of cooperation between scientists from different countries. In addition, the document recorded specific procedures related to the organization of international interaction, in particular, the procedure for one state to inform other signatories of the treaty about its activities in Antarctica.

• The Antarctic pole is relatively inaccessible. Members of the expedition led by Evgeniy Tolstikov. 1958
• RIA News
• Yu. Bagryansky

Subsequently, the document was signed by a number of new countries. Today, more than 50 states are its participants. Representatives of 29 of them have the right to vote at summits held under the treaty.

Significance of Antarctic Research

“Antarctic research is extremely important for humanity. In particular, due to the fact that scientific work in Antarctica gives us an understanding of the processes associated with climate change,” said the head of the Russian Antarctic Expedition, Alexander Klepikov, in an interview with RT.

According to the scientist, the heated international debate on climate issues today is quite politicized, and Antarctic research makes it possible to make it more balanced and constructive.

“There are now a lot of nervous alarmist statements on the climate issue. The work carried out in Antarctica signals climate change over millions of years, allowing us to draw objective conclusions on this issue,” he noted.

At the same time, Alexander Klepikov emphasizes that the data obtained from Antarctica is important not only in the context of paleoclimatic research.

“For the objectivity of current observations, it is important that there are no large spatial gaps between observation sites. While there are many weather stations in Europe, their number is limited in Antarctica. The data obtained from them is unique,” ​​noted the head of the Russian Antarctic Expedition.

Alexander Klepikov explained that the information that scientists collect on the southern continent is extremely relevant, as it allows them to develop scenarios for the future, including the near future. In particular, it allows us to determine how sea levels will rise due to the melting of Antarctic ice.

However, according to Klepikov, Antarctic research is not limited to climate alone.

“There are many unexplored ecosystems in Antarctica, where it is convenient to find meteorites and develop a methodology for searching for traces of life forms that will be used on Mars and the moons. There are many areas of scientific Antarctic research, and Russian scientists today take part in almost all of them. We confidently remain among the leaders of world Antarctic science,” the scientist emphasized.

• Russian polar explorers in Antarctica
• RIA News
• Alexey Nikolsky

In Antarctica there are Russian year-round bases “Mirny”, “Vostok”, “Novolazarevskaya”, “Bellingshausen” and “Progress”, as well as several seasonal bases. The annual Antarctic expeditions include 120 participants in seasonal work and 110 participants in year-round work at permanent stations.

“Antarctica is a continent of Russian leadership. It was discovered by Russian sailors and has been actively researched by domestic scientists since the mid-20th century. The processes taking place on this continent play an important role at the global level, and over time this role will only increase. Therefore, Russian research work in the Antarctic region is extremely relevant,” concluded Konstantin Strelbitsky.

The Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE) is engaged in research scientific works within the southernmost continent. Participants are required to be able to clearly and responsibly approach the performance of their duties, since the safety of all polar explorers depends on this. Work in Antarctica involves activities in extremely harsh climatic conditions away from families and familiar household amenities.

Why Antarctica

Specialists applying for participation in the work of the station must clarify in advance all the requirements and specifics of employment, since it is quite difficult for an unprepared person to get to Antarctica.

It is worth noting that most workers go on expeditions not for high salaries, but for new sensations and the desire to test themselves in harsh conditions. After the watch, many strive to return to the pole again and consolidate the experience gained.

You can learn about how employees live in Antarctica in the corresponding groups on the VK social network, where participants publish photos and videos and stories about everyday work.

Professions in demand

The operation of stations in Antarctica requires different specialists:

• drivers of various equipment (snowmobiles);
• mechanics;
• doctors;
• welders;
• cooks;
• system administrators;
• satellite communications experts.

But most of the participants are various scientists involved in environmental research.

If you want to participate in work at a polar station, it is recommended to check the current vacancies by visiting the official website of the Antarctic Expedition (http://raexp.ru).

Features of work

Work in Antarctica is carried out on a rotational basis, all vacancies include free transportation to the station and back.

Registration is carried out according to employment contract, hired workers are provided with food and special clothing at the expense of the state.

Activities begin in November-February, transportation of participants is carried out either by plane or by ship. It depends on the location of the station where the expedition must arrive.

The duration of the trip is 12-18 months.

Requirements for candidates

Applicants are selected quite strictly according to the following criteria:

• Health;
• Professional skills and abilities;
• Psychological qualities (stress resistance);
• Age: from 30 to 45 years (for doctors - up to 60).

You will also need documents confirming your qualifications in the profession, experience, and a foreign passport.

To go through the doctors you will have to take extracts:

• From the medical unit at your place of residence about diseases over the past three years.
• From the tuberculosis dispensary (that the applicant is not registered).
• From the mental hospital.
• From a drug treatment clinic.
• orthopantogram (with attached description and conclusion).
• If the applicant is over 50 years old, you need to do an ultrasound of the abdominal organs, Bladder and prostate gland.

Important: work experience in the specialty must be at least 2 years. For doctors – from 5 years.

How to get to the winter quarters, step by step:

1. Fill out a form at the OK AARI (some in-demand specialists are invited by the research leaders themselves).
2. Get approval to undergo a medical examination.
3. Be examined by doctors, including - psychological tests and checks.

The easiest way to learn more about how you can get on an expedition to Antarctica is on the RAE website.

average salary

People often ask how much money polar explorers receive for their work when they sign up for an expedition. This depends on the length of service; the calculation of the normal salary begins after crossing the 60th parallel.

The average salary in Antarctica in 2019 is 60,000 rubles, you need to take into account that this is official income (before 13% tax). Every 6 months of stay at the station there is an increase - 10% of the salary, but in total - no more than 100%. This means that after three expeditions the maximum salary will be reached.

But it is impossible to get a job for several winters in a row: doctors forbid it, because the body is greatly weakened due to the climate.

Benefits and allowances

In 2013, the Russian government introduced changes to the legislation on the calculation of compensation and benefits for workers in the far south.

List of preferences:

• Regional coefficient 3 – added during the period of activity on the expedition;
• Percentage increase and increasing coefficient to the salary (the amount depends on the starting salary);
• The total length of service includes periods of previous expeditions, including length of service at the North Pole.

More detailed information can be found from the Decree of the Russian Federation of 2013 No. 832.

Conclusion

Getting a job on an Antarctic expedition is quite difficult. There are a lot of people who want to do this; the degree of motivation and perseverance are important here. Some citizens got to the pole the third or fourth time.

Airbnb and the Ocean Conservancy are sending five volunteers to Antarctica for free to study climate change.

The selected five people will travel to Antarctica, led by researcher Kirsty Jones-Williams, to collect ice samples and study the impact of microplastics on the environment.

Expedition plan

• First and second weeks. Training in Chile: You'll meet your teammates and expedition leader Kirsty Jones-Williams. In 2 weeks of physical and psychological preparation for research in the difficult conditions of Antarctica, you will get used to scientific language, try out the equipment, meet local partners and discover wildlife Chile.
• Third week. Research in Antarctica. Get ready for 10 days of serious work at Camp Union Glacier at the South Pole, where you'll experience the rugged beauty of Antarctica. Together with the team, you will study collected snow samples and find out whether microplastics are present on the coldest continent. And after a hard day, you can ride a snowmobile or fat bike.
• Fourth week. Prepare your conclusions: After field work, you and your team will return to Chile to spend several days processing your findings and describing the impact that humanity is having on the most remote region of the Earth. Ocean Conservancy can help you become ocean conservation ambassadors. You will tell the world how to minimize our collective plastic footprint and use the planet's resources wisely.

Register on Airbnb:

Premiere screening of the multi-part documentary film “Antarctica. Walking Beyond Three Poles” begins on January 14 on Channel One.

Residents Sverdlovsk region there are at least two additional reasons to watch this exciting series about the most mysterious and inaccessible continent on the planet.

Firstly, Ekaterinburg resident Alexey Makarov, a famous design engineer and creator of the unique Burlak all-terrain vehicles, took part in the Antarctic expedition. Secondly, the equipment for the ice voyage - two amphibious vehicles "Emelya" and trailers for them - underwent pre-launch training in Yekaterinburg.

The creator of the legendary SUV "Emelya", a nominee for the Guinness Book of Records, Muscovite Vasily Elagin explained his choice as follows:

— We decided to prepare all the equipment here. Alexey offered us a workshop where there is a team of people who understand what they are doing. In the garage, the cars were completely disassembled, every detail was checked, then reassembled, run in, and only after that they gave the go-ahead for delivery to St. Petersburg.

Elagin and Makarov have known each other for a long time; they are united by a common passion for automotive equipment and extreme travel. Thus, Vasily Elagin participated in testing the Arctic all-terrain vehicle "Burlak" in the conditions of the Subpolar and Polar Urals, and the drifting ice of the Kara Sea.

The brainchild of the Ural auto designer has proven itself since the very the best side, but for the Antarctic expedition, the Emelya all-terrain vehicle was nevertheless chosen as lighter in weight - the nature of the sixth continent is very fragile and requires the maximum careful attitude.

Alexey Makarov and Vasily Elagin participated in the motor rally across Antarctica as mechanics and drivers. All-terrain vehicles that have undergone technical training in Yekaterinburg " Emelya"were loaded in St. Petersburg onto a linear ship going to Cape Town, then they were taken by transport plane to Novolazarevskaya station.

From here began the first ever autonomous car race through the most southern mainland, the length of the route was more than 5.5 thousand kilometers. The expedition members visited the Pole of Inaccessibility, the South Pole and the Pole of Cold.

During the journey, the polar explorers did not have the opportunity to replenish their fuel and food supplies. It was the reliability of the equipment and the skill of the crew that ensured the success of Valdis Pelsh’s expedition, which began on December 1, 2018 and ended on January 7, 2019. Valdis himself compared this journey to a flight into space, and called the opportunity to get to Antarctica as a participant in the first autonomous automobile rally the event of a lifetime.

The film crew obtained unique material from which an equally unique serial film was made. Its premiere coincides with a historical date: in 2020, the whole world and especially Russia celebrate 200 years of exploration of Antarctica.

The continent was discovered by a Russian expedition led by Thaddeus Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev on January 16, 1820. On the boats “Vostok” and “Mirny” the discoverers approached the area of ​​the modern Bellingshausen ice shelf.

From the expedition's travel reports
Antarctica can be called a real desert, despite the fact that 70% of the world's reserves are located here fresh water. The air here is about the same as in the Sahara. The last precipitation here, if there was any, was in ancient times.

Because of this dryness, the expedition members were required to constantly drink water. Of course, no one took her with them. After all, there are tons of cars around pure snow. It was collected in special containers, which were placed next to the running engine. The result was essentially distilled water, so it was supplemented with vitamins and minerals, which were consumed by the expedition members.
Due to the drying out of the mucous membranes, the participants in the hike periodically began bleeding from the nose.

Reference
The area of ​​Antarctica is more than 14.4 million square kilometers. In addition to the pole of cold (at the Vostok station the temperature dropped to almost -90), in Antarctica there are points of the lowest relative humidity, the strongest and longest wind and the most intense solar radiation.

Antarctica is neutral territory. The polar stations of Argentina, Russia, the USA and other countries are located on the mainland; the continent can only be used for peaceful purposes. Conservation organizations around the world are taking many steps to make Antarctica a nature reserve.

Author of the article: UR Information Service, photo: pixabay.com

photo: press service of MTS SAINT PETERSBURG. MTS PJSC, the largest Russian telecommunications operator and digital services provider, became the first Russian operator to install a cellular base station in Antarctica.
API
21.01.2020 St. Petersburg, Russia – MTS PJSC (NYSE: MBT, MOEX: MTSS), Russia's largest telecommunications operator and digital services provider, has become the first Russian operator to install a cellular base station in Antarctica.
KU66.Ru
21.01.2020 The year 2020 is marked by an event that happened 200 years ago, when for the first time Russian navigators F. Bellingshausen and M. Lazarev approached an unexplored continent located in the south of the Earth, Antarctica.
Administration of Chkalovsky district
09.01.2020