Canada replacing aging military transport fleet with 9 Airbus planes – National | 24CA News
Canada’s getting older fleet of Polaris VIP and transport plane are being changed with 9 new Airbus planes, together with one for use particularly for transport of high-ranking authorities officers.
Defence Minister Anita Anand made the announcement in an announcement on Tuesday, practically three years after the federal government first pledged to take action amid ongoing mechanical issues.
The replacements are part of what the federal government calls the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project, with the purpose of enhancing the Royal Canadian Air Force’s air mobility and air-to-air refuelling capability.
Under the mission, A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport plane will substitute the CC-150 Polaris, with the fleet being named the CC-330 Husky.
It’s anticipated to have a lifespan of 30 years.
The air drive’s fundamental govt jet was grounded in October 2019 after sustaining “significant structural damage” throughout a hangar accident that month. And final week, a Canadian Polaris “came into contact” with a French army aircraft on the bottom on the Andersen Air Base in Guam.
An investigation into that incident is underway.
The RCAF purchased the Polaris fleet in 1992.
Of the 9 plane making up the CC-330 Husky fleet, 4 can be new and 5 can be used craft bought from the industrial market, based on a launch by the division.
At least eight of the planes can be used as “true multi-role aircraft” and supply air-to-air refuelling, in addition to strategic airlifts of troops or passenger transport. In addition, the place wanted, these plane might additionally ship specialised aeromedical evacuations.
One of the used planes can be utilized to offer safe transport of presidency officers, however may be transformed right into a Multi-Role Tanker Transport as effectively.
The announcement comes because the Canadian authorities can also be anticipated to announce quickly which firm can be contracted to interchange the army’s 14 CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol planes, constructed by Lockheed Martin, which can be set to retire in 2030 after virtually 50 years in service.
Bombardier and Boeing are each eyeing the contract, although the federal government has stated it was nonetheless weighing its choices for the multibillion-dollar contract.
Refuelling can be a significant responsibility for the Polaris alternative planes, with the plane not solely tasked with filling up present and future RCAF fighter plane, but additionally these utilized by the U.S. as a part of NORAD and by NATO companions.
According to the division, new infrastructure can be wanted to accommodate the plane, which can be constructed at two fundamental working bases in jap and western Canada, with a minimum of one NORAD ahead working location.
All three areas, nonetheless, are nonetheless to be decided with the one in jap Canada to be introduced later this 12 months.
In the meantime, Ottawa International Airport will function the placement for the primary two used planes.
The first two of the used planes are anticipated to be delivered in summer time and fall 2023, with each to enter into service following aircrew conversion coaching, with the opposite three anticipated in 2024.
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