CC-130J Hercules Tactical Airlift

Legacy CC-130 Hercules aircraft have been used in a wide variety of domestic and deployed roles for transporting equipment, troops and supplies.

In June 2006, the Government of Canada announced its intentions to acquire a new fleet of 17 tactical transport aircraft to replace the legacy E-model Hercules that were nearing the end of their operational life.

In May 2012, Canada took delivery of the 17th and final aircraft on budget and ahead-of-schedule.

The Canadian Forces have been using the new CC-130J Hercules since the first delivery in June 2010.

On May 11, 2012, Canada took delivery of the 17th and final aircraft on budget and ahead-of-schedule.

In fact, 2011 proved to be an extremely busy time for the new aircraft. For example: two of the new CC-130Js were deployed on Operation ATHENA, Canada’s contribution to the allied mission in Afghanistan; the CC-130Js were involved in the initial evacuation of Canadians from Libya; and at home, the aircraft participated in the Saskatchewan forest fire evacuation. The CC-130Js also provided domestic airlift support throughout Canada and especially in the Arctic in support of Operation NANOOK.

Construction of the Air Mobility Training Centre, which houses the equipment and personnel required to train operators and maintainers of the CC130J Hercules aircraft, is now complete. Aircrew training course trials in Canada on the new CC-130J Hercules commenced in November 2012, while technician training will commence in late summer 2013.

For more information:

• Minister Fantino welcomes Canada's Final CC-130J Hercules Transport Aircraft Delivery Ahead of Schedule
  May 11, 2012