Our first C-130J delivered, more fairly soon
Further to this post,
First C-130J to arrive Trenton Friday, June 4the Jerc has landed (official news release):
New generation of CC-130J Hercules arrives in CanadaUpdate: Lots more from the Trentonian with photos, including a lovely one of fresh-air Peter.
June 4, 2010
The first of 17 new CC-130J Hercules tactical airlift aircraft landed at 8 Wing Trenton, Ont. today, contributing to the modernization and strengthening of the Canadian Forces.Defence Minister Peter MacKay arrives in Trenton onboard the new CC-130J Hercules.
Credit: WO Carole Morissette [bringing back the open cockpit, Peter?].
The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, and the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, were present to mark this important milestone...
"The arrival of the first CC-130J Hercules aircraft marks a new era in the Canadian military, bringing with it lasting economic benefits to Canada's aerospace and defence industries," said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. “The Industrial and Regional Benefits related to this airlift fleet, at $2.3 billion, will bring high value and high paying jobs, and economic growth to communities across the country [pork, pork and more pork--see also here and here].”
The delivery of the first CC-130J is six months ahead of the original scheduled delivery and under budget [emphasis added: good on LM and the US government, not so much our government, more here--and remember those who argued we should consider the A400M (more here)? note its first delivery now planned for "early 2013"]; it is another example of how the improved military procurement process ensures that the men and women of the Canadian Forces get the equipment they need faster, while ensuring best value and results for Canadians [tell it to la marine].
CC-130s are used in a wide variety of roles, including transporting equipment, troops and supplies to, within and from a theatre of operations.
“The new J-model Hercules is both proven and improved,” said Major-General Tom Lawson, Assistant Chief of Air Staff. “The value of versatile tactical airlift has been clearly demonstrated in recent operations, including Afghanistan and Haiti. We will be putting these new aircraft to good use without delay.”
Up to four other aircraft are expected this year with the final one to be delivered by 2012 [emphasis added, good work]. All 17 CC-130Js will be based at 8 Wing Trenton, thus obtaining maximum operational and financial efficiencies from common training, maintenance and infrastructure requirements...The new CC-130J Hercules arrives in Trenton.
Photo Credit: WO Carole Morissette.
For comprehensive information, consult the backgrounder at:http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/8w-8e/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?x=1&id=10623
For more information on technical specifications and imagery, visit the Air Force Webpage at:
www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/cc130j/specs-eng.asp
For high resolution imagery of the CC-130J: http://cc-130j.ca/
posted by Mark, Ottawa at 9:55 a.m.
3 Comments:
Ahhh yes . . . the ever so wonderful A400 so beloved by our media pinheads and BQ MP's. At the rate its test program is going Airburst will be luck if it gets into Squadrons by 2015.
Thank gawd their advice and criticism wasn't listened to and the Air Force now has the uber magnificent Jercs & 17's on our Flight Lines.
Excellent news for the CF! AND ahead of schedule and under budget! How often does that ever happen in large military procurements, anywhere in the Western Democracies!?
No doubt, these new Jercs will give the CF and Canadian taxpayer an excellent value return on their investment. (BTW, just curious if there will be any sort of ceremony or photos as the oldest Jerc, having performed long & faithfully, is flown off to the boneyard. Anyone know about that?)
Dave, I'm not sure there's any plan to retire it any time soon. Last I heard, tail number 308 was doing the milk run all over Afghanistan. That was a couple of years ago, but still...
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