A CC-130H air tanker is set to soar its last flight in the RCAF at the Abbotsford International Airshow. (Image Credit: Cpl. Raj Dhagat / Public Services and Procurement Canada / Supplied)

By Alyssa Conti

CC-130H Hercules

Airtanker soars Abbotsford skies for last time in RCAF service before reuse into firefighting aircraft

Aug 7, 2026 | 10:55 AM

ABBOTSFORD — An aviation icon is set to take its final flight in the RCAF service at the Abbotsford International Airshow this weekend – but its wings aren’t clipped just yet.

The federal government announced today (Aug. 7) that it has sold 10 retired CC-130H Hercules aircraft to Port Alberni-based Coulson Aviation to strengthen private-sector aerial wildfire-fighting efforts across the country.

“Through the conditional sale of these retired Hercules aircraft to a Canadian company with world‑class expertise, we are ensuring that valuable military assets continue to serve Canadians,” said Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr.

“This initiative supports good jobs, strengthens our aerospace sector and enhances Canada’s ability to respond to wildfires and other emergencies.”

Coulson says each unit can carry more than 15,000 litres of water or fire retardant. The company, which now has a total of 20 C-130H aircraft, will be equipping Hercules with its proprietary RADS-XXL retardant delivery system for use as a waterbomber.

Tractor-Trailer Driver

Police seek witness to crash off Coquihalla Highway late July

1h ago

IIO Investigating

Motorcyclist crashes into vehicle after fleeing police in Surrey

2h ago

Investigation Concludes

No consideration of charges for Abbotsford, B.C., officer in fatal arrest outside Mission fast-food place: IIO

2h ago

“Firefighters on the ground need aircraft overhead that can get there quickly, carry a meaningful load and keep working,” said Coulson. “These aircraft will multiply the current initial attack capacity operating in Canada today.”

The announcement was made at Cascade Aerospace in Abbotsford, which also holds several of the former RCAF aircraft.

The CC-130H has previously served in missions ranging from tactical airlift to search-and-rescue support for more than 60 years.

One of Coulson’s operational C-130H airtankers is set to perform a demonstration drop during the Abbotsford International Airshow to show off what Hercules can do in its next life.

by Alyssa Conti

Click here to report an error or typo in this article

Join Our Daily Email

Airtanker soars Abbotsford skies for last time in RCAF service before reuse into firefighting aircraft

More Local News