Ottawa sells 10 retired military planes to convert for aerial firefighting

The Canadian federal government has conditionally sold 10 retired C-130A Hercules military aircraft to Coulson Aviation, a British Columbia-based company. These planes are slated for conversion into aerial firefighting aircraft, a critical measure as Canada grapples with another devastating wildfire season.

Stephen Fuhr, secretary of state for defence procurement, announced the sale Friday, emphasizing its dual benefit: creating aerospace jobs in British Columbia and providing much-needed aerial firefighting resources. He stated that the conversion process for each CC-130H Hercules is expected to require approximately 20,000 labor hours, with the first planes potentially ready for service within 12 months.

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These Hercs will begin a second life in that role, in a new role that’s increasingly important to Canada and around the world.

"These Hercs will begin a second life in that role, in a new role that’s increasingly important to Canada and around the world," Fuhr remarked, highlighting the significance of this initiative. The CC-130H Hercules, traditionally used for military transport and emergency evacuations, has been replaced in the Royal Canadian Air Force fleet by newer CC-130J models. The 10 aircraft sold are part of a fleet of 12 retired in January; the remaining two will be preserved for display.

The sale is contingent upon the finalization of contractual agreements and regulatory approvals from Transport Canada. The government has not disclosed the sale price, with Fuhr deeming it inappropriate to reveal details of a commercial transaction. This development follows a June report by a Senate committee that recommended the government fund a new national fleet of firefighting aircraft, underscoring the growing urgency for enhanced wildfire response capabilities nationwide.

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That is something to clap about.