CC-150 Polaris
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CC-150 is the designation for the civilian Airbus A310-300s which have been converted for use as the primary long distance transport airplane for the Canadian Armed Forces. The CC-150 replaced the CC-137 Husky (converted Boeing 707) in 1997. The five aircraft were originally purchased by Wardair and were transferred to Canadian Airlines when the two airlines merged in 1989. They were subsequently purchased by the Canadian Forces from Canadian Airlines. The purchase included a support contract for service of the aircraft for a fixed number of flying hours.
Role in CF Service
Four of the five aircraft were converted to the Combi-Freighter standard with a reinforced floor and side opening cargo door. The fifth was redone as a VIP transport aircraft for government executive transport.The Polaris classified as a strategic airlifter by the Canadian Forces. The CC-150 is able to carry cargo and personnel over long distances but it lacks the oversize cargo capacity and ability to operate from austere locations which are a common requirement of military airlift.
The Canadian Forces primarily rely on leased aircraft to transport large cargo such as armoured vechicles. This has primarily been commercially availble types such as the Antonov An-124 which was used to transport the Disaster Assistance Response Team - DART to Sri Lanka in 2005. The now defunct Canadian Forces Future Strategic Airlifter Project attempted to find a way to fill the capabilities that the CC-150 lacks. The assertion has been that the Air Force is holding out for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III as a true strategic airlifter."[DND 101 - Airforce Future Strategic Airlifter Project]."Canadian American Strategic Review 2005.
The 5 CC-150s are operated by 437 Squadron at CFB Trenton, Ontario.
Tanker Conversion
Two of the five CC-150's are undergoing conversion as air-to-air refueling tankers for the CF-18 fleet. This was a capability that was lost when the CC-137s were retired. The conversion is part of the Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) program. The MRTT program was initiated because of a German Air Force (Luftwaffe) requirement and provided a cost effective solution for the CF.The CF has used converted C-130s, CF designation CC-130H(T), for training of CF-18 crews but has relied on allied air forces for refueling tankers when the CF-18s have been deployed.
The modified CC-150s were due to return by February 2005 but are still not back in service with the CF.
Aircraft Info
- Length: 46.66 m
- Wingspan: 43.9 m
- Height: 15.8 m
- Weight: 157,000 kg (including full load and fuel)
- Power: Two GE CF6-80C2A2 jet engines
- Speed: Mach .84 (max)
- Ceiling:12,500 m
- Range: 11,500 km
- Load: Up to 32,000 kg
- Years purchased: 1992 – 1993
- Number in Canadian Forces: 5
- Location: CFB Trenton, Trenton, Ontario
External links
- [CC-150 Polaris]
- [Canada's Airforce - CC-150 Polaris] images
- [Canadian Forces Strategic Airlifter — the Airbus CC-150 Polaris]
References
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