Airbus CC-330 Husky

The Airbus CC-330 Husky is an in-development Royal Canadian Air Force version of the Airbus A330 MRTT based on the civilian Airbus A330. Nine aircraft will replace the existing Airbus CC-150 Polaris fleet of five aircraft in the strategic transport and air refuelling roles.[1]

CC-330 Husky
The CC-330 will resemble the French Air and Space Force Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix aircraft
Role Strategic transport/VIP transport/tanker
Manufacturer Airbus
Introduction 2023
Primary user Royal Canadian Air Force
Developed from Airbus A330 MRTT

Development

On June 2, 2017, the Canadian Armed Forces and Government of Canada announced their plan to procure a CC-150 Polaris replacement.[2]

In July 2022, the Government of Canada announced a deal to acquire two used Airbus A330-200s which would be modified to A330 MRTT configuration, with four more to be acquired later, for a total of six aircraft.[3]

In July 2023, the order was increased to nine aircraft, eight of which will be MRTT and one for VIP transportation. Four aircraft will be purchased new from Airbus, with five aircraft purchased used from the commercial market. The aircraft will be located on two bases, one in eastern Canada and one in western Canada.[4][5]

The first two, ex-Kuwait Airways aircraft are expected to enter service in fall 2023 as strategic transport aircraft.[4]

The tankers will be equipped with both probe and drogue and flying boom refuelling equipment, permitting them to refuel any NATO or allied aircraft, which will also improve NORAD support.[5][6]

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References
  1. Canadian Press (25 July 2023). "Ottawa buying nine Airbus planes to replace Polaris fleet, including PM's plane". CTV News. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  2. Page 39; http://dgpaapp.forces.gc.ca/en/canada-defence-policy/docs/canada-defence-policy-report.pdf
  3. Defence, National (13 July 2022). "Canada moves forward with the acquisition of aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  4. Defence, National (25 July 2023). "The Strategic Tanker Transport Capability Project and NORAD Modernization". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  5. "Nine Huskies to Replace Five Polarises". Canadian Aviator. 29 July 2023. Archived from the original on 29 July 2023. Retrieved 29 July 2023.
  6. Niles, Russ (26 July 2023). "Canada Buys Nine A330 Tanker/Cargo Planes". AVweb. Archived from the original on 27 July 2023. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
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