DD, strangely enough not everybody in a logistics department is an expert on helicopters. I have just started in the department and therefore am not, as yet, on intimate terms with the trucks, helicopters, hovercraft, tugs, barges, ice breakers, supply boats etc etc etc that we have / hire. I am however very familiar with the problems of operation and construction in the area and the restrictions that face the execution of transportation in this area which is why I'm on the team.
The hint as to the area remains FSU and, believe me, those temperature variations ARE real and not the worst around, Siberia gets at least 15C colder in the winter and nearly as hot in the summer.