In a recent British Armed Forces scientific expedition to Antarctica, Panasonic Toughbooks gave the 24 person expedition the support it need for communication during their Scott-inspired explorations to mark the 100th anniversary of his endeavours. In three teams made up of British Armed Services personnel, the expedition explored remote areas and conducted scientific research in the Peninsula Arm of Antarctica to better understand the factors influencing the rapid warming of the region. The expedition was approved by the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Meteorological Society and also linked to an educational outreach programme to educate primary and secondary school children. The expedition also raised £10,000 for the Help for Heroes charity.
To aid the expedition, Panasonic provided four Toughbooks for the team to take on board and was able to take on the role to the name it was given- TOUGH. The team used Panasonic Toughbook CF-31 and CF-19’s on the expedition. Panasonic Toughbooks are the absolute ultimate in durability and reliability. Characterized by their reliability and consistency in functioning under extreme temperature conditions – they work from -20°C to +60 °C. A magnesium-thickened casing offers maximum protection for the most sensitive components such as the display. Hard drives are secured against impact and shock. A fall from a height of 90cm does not affect functionality in any way, and a special protective coating provides dust and water resistance.
The expedition flew from the UK to Tierra del Fuego via Santiago and then sailed across the Drake Passage from Peurto Williams, in Chile, to the Antarctic Peninsula and back again during their 10-week journey. The expedition was the first joint expedition mounted to the mainland of the Antarctic Peninsula by the British Armed Services.
