The Canadian government announced on Friday that B.C.-based Coulson Aviation will purchase 10 retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft from the federal fleet. These aircraft, out of 12 retired by the Royal Canadian Air Force earlier this year, will be converted into firefighting planes. The remaining two Hercules aircraft will be preserved for public display at bases and museums.
The sale was revealed by Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr during an event at Abbotsford, B.C., coinciding with an international air show. Fuhr praised the sale as a top-tier divestment initiative that will give a new purpose to these military assets.
With wildfires becoming more severe globally, the demand for water bombers has surged. In response, Coulson Aviation aims to have the first converted aircraft ready for the upcoming wildfire season. The company plans to convert and operate the aircraft at its own expense, offering firefighting services under government contracts.
The Hercules aircraft, which were pivotal in the military’s transportation operations, are now being replaced by the more advanced C-130J tactical aircraft. The 10 Hercules planes set for sale 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 around 20,000 work hours.
While the specific sale price remains undisclosed due to confidentiality, both the company and the government are committed to swiftly moving the aircraft to their new firefighting roles. Ottawa often faces the challenge of disposing of retired military assets, with some, like the soon-to-be-retired Victoria-class submarines, inevitably headed for scrapping in the coming years.