The Canadian government has announced 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 retired by the Royal Canadian Air Force earlier in the year, with the remaining two set to be displayed publicly at various locations.
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 a new purpose for these military assets.
The move comes at a time when the demand for firefighting aircraft is high globally, as countries face increasing challenges from intense wildfires. Coulson Aviation’s CEO, Wayne Coulson, expressed confidence that the first converted aircraft could be operational by the upcoming wildfire season.
The conversion process will be undertaken by Coulson Aviation at their own cost, with plans to offer firefighting services under contract to governments. The conversions are scheduled to take place in Port Alberni, B.C., as well as possibly in Abbotsford and Kelowna.
The C-130H Hercules aircraft, previously a key component of the military’s airlift capability, will be transformed into large tankers capable of carrying significant amounts of retardant for firefighting efforts worldwide. The conversion of each aircraft is estimated to require around 20,000 hours of work.
While the specific sale price remains undisclosed due to confidentiality, both the company and the government emphasized the importance of repurposing these assets efficiently. Ottawa’s decision to sell these retired aircraft reflects a strategic approach to managing older military equipment and ensuring optimal utilization of resources.