The Canadian federal government announced on Friday the sale of 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 decommissioned by the Royal Canadian Air Force earlier this year, with the remaining two set to be displayed publicly at various bases and museums.
Stephen Fuhr, the Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, revealed the conditional sale of the retired aircraft during an event in Abbotsford, B.C., coinciding with an international air show. Fuhr praised the sale as a top-tier divestment initiative that will provide a new purpose for these military assets.
The sale is seen as a significant move given the increasing demand for firefighting resources globally due to the rise in intense and frequent wildfires. Coulson Aviation’s CEO, Wayne Coulson, expressed confidence that the company aims to have the first converted aircraft ready for the upcoming wildfire season. While the conversion process is estimated to be time-consuming, the company is committed to swiftly adapting the Hercules aircraft for firefighting operations.
The conversion work will be undertaken at Coulson Aviation’s expense, with the intention to offer firefighting services to governments through contractual agreements. The conversions are slated to occur primarily in Port Alberni, B.C., and potentially in Abbotsford and Kelowna.
The Hercules aircraft, previously utilized for various military operations including personnel transport and cargo delivery, have been succeeded by the more advanced C-130J tactical aircraft. The 10 Hercules planes being sold will be transformed into large tankers capable of carrying substantial amounts of retardant for firefighting missions worldwide.
Both Coulson Aviation and the government have opted not to disclose the total sale price due to confidentiality agreements. The sale of retired military assets is a common practice, with some assets reaching the end of their service life and necessitating disposal. For instance, Canada is expected to scrap its retiring Victoria-class submarines in the coming years.