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The
service chameleon is the Polaris (A310-300 Airbus), a twin-engine, high-speed
commercial jet easily converted to passenger, freight or medical transport.
By 2004/05, an air-to-air refueling capability will be added to the fleet.
 Two Polaris are being converted as strategic air-to-air refuellers to support
the CF-18 Hornet fighter-bomber fleet.
Stationed at 8 Wing Trenton, Ont., 437 Squadron (The Huskies) is the only transport
squadron equipped with the Polaris, which replaced the aging Boeing 707 in
1997.
The five-plane fleet's primary role is long-range transport of personnel and
equipment, up to 194 passengers or 32,000 kg of cargo. They've participated
in operations supporting Canadian Forces, NATO and numerous United Nations
and Red Cross initiatives. During December 1995's Operation Alliance, about
1,161,000 kg of freight and 800 personnel were airlifted to Zaire using Polaris,
Boeing 707 and Hercules transports.  During August 2003 OP PEREGRINE, about
1500 troops were airlifted to battle forest fires in the Kelowna B.C. area
using the Polaris.
The
squadron has an excellent reputation transporting high ranking government officials
and foreign dignitaries, including members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister,
the Governor General around the world.
The Huskies are proud of their motto, "Omnia Passim," (Anytime,
Anywhere).
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