Coulson Aviation Acquires 10 Hercules Aircraft for Aerial Firefighting
Coulson Aviation has acquired 10 retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft from the Canadian government for conversion into firefighting tankers. This initiative aims to enhance Canada's aerial firefighting capacity amid increasing wildfire risks, with the goal of having at least two planes operational by the next fire season.
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The Canadian government has conditionally sold 10 retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft to Coulson Aviation for aerial firefighting. The sale follows the retirement of 12 C-130s from the Royal Canadian Air Force in January 2026, with two remaining for public display.
Each aircraft requires approximately 20,000 hours of labor for conversion, with costs estimated between $10 million and $14 million per unit. Coulson Aviation plans to equip the planes with 4,000-gallon tanks, significantly enhancing firefighting capabilities.
The conversion is expected to be predominantly completed in Port Alberni, with additional facilities in Abbotsford and Kelowna involved. This acquisition is seen as a critical step in bolstering Canada’s wildfire response capabilities, addressing the urgent need for more aerial resources.
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