ANTARCTIC DRIFTER

The Antarctic Drifter is designed to travel on the prevailing catabatic winds of the Antarctic Plateau, rolling across the landscape gathering images and video. When fully inflated, the Drifter presents a 15-meter diameter profile, cushioned by Hypalon air bags (a similar material is used for heavy-duty inflatable boats). Because of its size and buoyancy it is able to to cover almost any flat terrain, including ice, water and small crevasses. It is able to travel in extreme winds and weather conditions that would ground most vehicles.

With the air bags fully deflated, the Drifter presents a smaller dome-shaped profile, giving it stability. The inner roll-cage ensures that the inner crew capsule is protected and remains upright. The gymbal assemblies also contain generators, allowing the Drifter to charge it’s batteries and allow movement under it’s own power.