Coulson Aviation Canada announced on August 7, 2026, that it has acquired 10 retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft directly from the Canadian government. The aircraft formerly served the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). This transaction doubles Coulson's global fleet of C-130H aircraft from 10 to 20.
The company plans to convert these newly acquired military aircraft into large airtankers. Each aircraft will be equipped with Coulson's RADS-XXL retardant delivery system, which can carry up to 4,000 gallons, or over 15,000 liters, of water or fire retardant to support firefighting operations.
Coulson Aviation Canada will lead the entire conversion program locally in British Columbia. The company's responsibilities for the fleet will encompass engineering, certification, modification, maintenance, training, and flight operations.
