The Canadian government announced on Friday that it will be selling 10 retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft to Coulson Aviation, a British Columbia-based aerospace company, for conversion into firefighting planes. These aircraft are part of a fleet of 12 that were retired by the Royal Canadian Air Force earlier this year, with the remaining two being slated for public display at various bases and museums.
The sale was disclosed by Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr during an event at Abbotsford, B.C., coinciding with an international air show. Fuhr described the transaction as a top-tier divestment initiative, providing a new purpose for the military assets.
The move comes at a crucial time as countries worldwide face a shortage of water bombers due to the escalating intensity and frequency of wildfires. With over 4,500 wildfires reported in Canada this year alone, the demand for firefighting resources is pressing.
Coulson Aviation’s CEO, Wayne Coulson, expressed confidence that the company could have the first converted aircraft ready for the upcoming wildfire season, aiming to streamline the process despite potential challenges in the conversion timeline. The conversions will be carried out at Coulson Aviation’s facilities in Port Alberni, B.C., with the company planning to offer its services to governments under contract.
The C-130H Hercules aircraft, which have long served as a vital component of military airlift capabilities, will be transformed into large tankers capable of carrying substantial amounts of retardant for firefighting missions worldwide. The conversion process for each aircraft is estimated to require approximately 20,000 hours of work.
Both the aerospace company and the government have refrained from disclosing the total sale price, citing confidentiality under the commercial agreement. Ottawa’s decision to divest these older military assets underscores the need for efficient resource allocation, especially in critical operations like firefighting.
As Ottawa transitions to more advanced aircraft models like the C-130J tactical aircraft, the sale of the Hercules planes marks a strategic move to repurpose aging assets for firefighting efforts, addressing the growing demand for aerial support in combatting wildfires globally.