By Lisa Gordon | January 6, 2015 Estimated reading time 2 minutes, 25 seconds.
The RCAF currently operates four CC-177 Globemasters as heavy lifters, transporting relief supplies, troops, and even other aircraft. Mike Reyno Photo
Christmas is coming early for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), with an announcement today that Canada will be procuring a fifth Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III transport aircraft.
With the ability to carry almost 80 tonnes (four times the load that can be transported in a CC-130H Hercules), Canada’s current fleet of four Globemasters are the heavy lifters of the RCAF fleet.
Whether they are used to deliver emergency relief supplies, provide logistical support for troops in the field, move up to three Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters into position across the world, or even to resupply Canadian Armed Forces Station Alert in the far north, the Globemasters are busy. Most recently, the CC-177 has been ferrying troops and supplies to Kuwait (and transporting supplies donated by allies) in support of Operation Impact.
Today’s procurement announcement acknowledges the need for expanded strategic airlift capabilities within the RCAF, a position that has long been espoused by the Air Force Association of Canada. The additional aircraft is expected to alleviate shortages during heavy maintenance inspections and extend the life of the entire fleet for an estimated seven and a half years.
A fifth aircraft will also enable Canada to continue responding to domestic and global crises while providing support for a wide variety of missions. With a five-aircraft fleet, the RCAF expects to have at least three aircraft ready to go more than 90 per cent of the time, representing about a 25 per cent increase over current availability.
The cost to acquire one more CC-177 is estimated at $415 million, plus 12 years of integrated in-service support valued at $30 million, and will be funded “using existing defence budgets,” according to a government press release.
