CC-150 Polaris

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CC-150 Polaris
CC-150 Polaris
Type Strategic transport
Manufacturer Airbus
Status Active service
Primary user Canadian Forces
Number built 5
Developed from Airbus A310
Variants Airbus A310 MRTT

The CC-150 Polaris 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 Forces.

Contents

[edit] Origin

The CC-150 replaced the CC-137 Husky (converted Boeing 707) in 1997. The five Airbus 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.

[edit] 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 is 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 relies on leased aircraft to transport large cargo such as armoured vechicles. This has mostly been accomplished via commercially available types such as the Ilyushin Il-76[1] and occasionally the Antonov An-124 which was used to transport the Disaster Assistance Response Team - DART to Sri Lanka in 2005. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has now been ordered by the Canadian Forces to realise the capabilities that the CC-150 lacks, fulfilling the Future Strategic Airlifter Project.

The 5 CC-150s are operated by 437 Squadron at CFB Trenton, Ontario.

[edit] 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 first converted CC-150 MRTT was delivered to the CF in October 2004.[2]

[edit] Specifications

  • 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

[edit] References

  1. ^ Testimony of Lieutenant General J.S. Lucas in front of the Standing Committee on National Defence
  2. ^ Airforce-technology.com MRTT page

[edit] External links

[edit] Related content

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Airbus A310 MRT

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See also

v • d • e
Image:Flag of Canada.svg Canadian Forces Air Command Image:RCAF-Roundel.svg

Fighter aircraft: CF-188 Hornet

Patrol aircraft: CP-140 Aurora/CP-140A Arcturus

Helicopters: CH-124 Sea King • CH-139 JetRanger • CH-146 Griffon • CH-149 Cormorant

Cargo aircraft: CC-115 Buffalo • CC-130 Hercules • CC-138 Twin Otter • CC-144 Challenger • CC-150 Polaris • CC-177 Globemaster III

Trainer aircraft: CT-114 Tutor • CT-142 Dash 8 • CT-155 Hawk • CT-156 Harvard II

UAVs: CU-161 Sperwer

Possible Future Aircraft: CH-47 Chinook • CH-148 Cyclone • C-130 Hercules • F-35 Lightning II • Alenia C-27J

Wings: 1 Wing Kingston • 3 Wing Bagotville • 4 Wing Cold Lake • 5 Wing Goose Bay • 8 Wing Trenton • 9 Wing Gander • 12 Wing Shearwater • 14 Wing Greenwood • 15 Wing Moose Jaw • 16 Wing Borden • 17 Wing Winnipeg • 19 Wing Comox • 22 Wing North Bay

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