Coulson doubles C-130H airtanker fleet with former RCAF aircraft

Coulson Aviation Canada has acquired 10 former Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CC-130H Hercules aircraft from the Government of Canada, doubling the company’s global C-130H fleet to 20 aircraft.

The acquisition, announced in Abbotsford, British Columbia, will support the expansion of Coulson’s Canadian airtanker program, with engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, and operational activities led from the province.

The CC-130H has previously supported Canadian tactical airlift, search and rescue, Arctic operations, disaster response, and humanitarian missions. Coulson plans to modify and operate the aircraft as firefighting airtankers as Canada faces increasingly long and severe wildfire seasons.

“These aircraft served Canada for decades and we would like to recognize the men and women of the RCAF that operated these aircraft with exceptional professionalism throughout their service,” said Wayne Coulson, CEO of Coulson Aviation Canada.

The company’s C-130H airtankers are fitted with its RADS-XXL retardant delivery system, which can carry up to 4,000gal (more than 15,000L) of water or retardant per aircraft. The system is designed to provide controlled drops while leveraging the Hercules’ speed, range, and payload for initial attack and sustained operations.

“Firefighters on the ground need aircraft overhead that can get there quickly, carry a meaningful load, and keep working,” said Coulson. “These aircraft will multiply the current initial attack capacity operating in Canada today.”

Several of the acquired aircraft are currently at Cascade Aerospace in Abbotsford. Coulson also demonstrated its existing Tanker 131 C-130H during the Abbotsford International Airshow earlier this month.