The Canadian government announced on Friday that it will be selling 10 retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft to Coulson Aviation, an aerospace company based in British Columbia. Coulson Aviation plans to convert these aircraft into firefighting planes.
These aircraft are part of a fleet of 12 that were retired by the Royal Canadian Air Force earlier in the year, with the remaining two Hercules aircraft set to be displayed publicly at various bases and museums.
The sale was revealed by Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr in Abbotsford, B.C., during an international air show. Fuhr described the sale as a top-tier divestment initiative that will provide new opportunities for the military assets.
According to Fuhr, the sale will not only benefit the aerospace industry by creating jobs but will also address the increasing need for firefighting resources in various countries like Canada, Europe, Australia, and the U.S. The global demand for water bombers has risen due to the escalating intensity and frequency of wildfires, with over 4,500 wildfires reported in Canada this year.
Coulson Aviation’s CEO, Wayne Coulson, expressed confidence that the company will have the first converted aircraft ready for the upcoming wildfire season. While the conversion process may take some time, Coulson Aviation plans to bear the costs of conversion and provide firefighting services under contract to governments.
The conversion work will be carried out in Port Alberni, B.C., and potentially in Abbotsford and Kelowna. The goal is to swiftly move the aircraft to their intended firefighting roles, considering the expenses involved in storing them.
The C-130H aircraft have been a vital part of the military’s airlift operations for many years, fulfilling various roles such as troop and cargo transportation, search-and-rescue missions, and air-to-air refueling. These aircraft have now been replaced by the more advanced C-130J tactical aircraft.
The 10 Hercules aircraft set for sale will be transformed into large tankers capable of carrying substantial amounts of retardant to combat wildfires globally. The conversion process for each aircraft is estimated to require around 20,000 work hours.
While the exact sale price remains confidential under the commercial agreement, both Coulson Aviation and the government are committed to the efficient transfer of these assets. In cases where military assets reach the end of their service life, their disposal becomes necessary, as will be the fate of Canada’s retiring Victoria-class submarines in the coming years.