The Peter Lynn Kitesled and our other systems did not come about overnight, For the last 5 years the team has worked hard with Peter Lynn kites to develop optimal methods for wind travel and safe living in the world’s polar environments.

Initially the team trialled different types of traction kites in Australia and New Zealand, they then set about designing and building sleds, they called their designs “Icebird”, in tribute to David Lewis who was the first to circumnavigate Antactica in a small steel yacht of that name.

Icebird 1 investigated using a masted sail - it worked, but was far from ideal.

 Icebird 2 was designed and built by New Zealand Inventor Peter Lynn. It used a kite for power, and steered using curveable skis - it was a huge success, and is now a commercial design.

 Icebird 3 was a later variant of 2

 We revisited the mast and sail concept to make the high wind 3b.

 Icebird 4 was a prototype for an expedition, cargo capable design, it was the ancestor of the current sled.

 Icebird 4b had a shelter attached to it, we called it the “flying igloo”.

Icebird 5 was the 2008 sled. It is made from Carbon fibre, stainless steel, Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and some beautiful Alpine ash timber. A beautiful piece of engineering, It has travelled many hundreds of kilometerss of tricky fractured ice with a 300kg load on board.

Now the 5b, our best sled yet, is being put through it’s paces on this latest expedition. Longer, more comfortable and tougher, it  has a few other trade secrets too - Pictures coming soon!

Other technology the team has tested and modified include GPS, satellite communication, Emergency beacons, Polar grade clothing , bear warning fences, Stoves, solid state video equipment , Kite launching and safety systems and more.