Canada has begun a study to consider alternatives for replacing its Lockheed Martin CC-130 Hercules, or extending the life of the aircraft, some of which are among the highest time C-130s operating.
An industry source says the Canadian Forces has had to rethink the future of the aircraft sooner than expected because of problems generating sufficient aircraft for its commitment to United Nations operations in East Timor. Canadian Forces operate 19 CC-130Es and 13 CC-130Hs, some of which have been configured as tankers.
The Canadian Forces is looking at a series of options, but the most likely outcome is a low rate purchase of C-130Js involving the acquisition of two or three aircraft a year.
Such a move would allow retirement of the oldest Hercules in the fleet, some of which have 40,000 flying hours.
"It's simply not cost-effective to keep a fleet with this number of hours operational," says the source, adding that overhauling the aircraft will have only a limited effect on extending their usefulness.
The study is likely to be finished by June, with a decision on how to proceed set for the third quarter of this year.
Canada has put its Hercules fleet through a major modification programme recently aimed at updating and standardising the four cockpit configurations operated.
Changes to the aircraft include the addition of a digital automatic flight control system, improvements to cockpit instruments with electronic flight instrumentation systems and new navigation equipment.
Source: Flight International
