Canada's strategic airlift capability megathread (CC177, CC130J, A400M?)

[Furniture]

If C-130 sized aircraft are still relevant, but we want more speed, does the C-390 make sense, particularly alongside the C-17?

It's a faster aircraft than the C-130, with similar carrying capacity, and crucially, it isn't American... It might soften the blow of buying more C-17s if that option becomes a reality.

 

[KevinB]

If C-130 sized aircraft are still relevant, but we want more speed, does the C-390 make sense, particularly alongside the C-17?

It's a faster aircraft than the C-130, with similar carrying capacity, and crucially, it isn't American... It might soften the blow of buying more C-17s if that option becomes a reality.

I’m not sure the C-390 can fill a lot of roles the C-130 excels at.
Rough field capability and STOL.

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

You really want Canada to get a product from the main competitor of Bombardier, that used (allegedly) illegal subsidies to undercut our aviation industry?

 

[SeaKingTacco]

You really want Canada to get a product from the main competitor of Bombardier, that used (allegedly) illegal subsidies to undercut our aviation industry?

Got a better idea than C-17 for the C-17 role?

 

[Furniture]

You really want Canada to get a product from the main competitor of Bombardier, that used (allegedly) illegal subsidies to undercut our aviation industry?

Are we talking about Boeing or Embraer?

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Got a better idea than C-17 for the C-17 role?

I don't think there is anything out there in the league of the C-17. The C-390 fills the Hercules spot, but not the C-17, in my book.

Are we talking about Boeing or Embraer?

Yes.

 

[Maxman1]

Got a better idea than C-17 for the C-17 role?

How about the C-5?

 

[daftandbarmy]

How about the C-5?

Given current tensions with the Excited States, maybe this would be a fun option

Antonov An-124 Ruslan - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Maxman1]

Given current tensions with the Excited States, maybe this would be a fun option

View attachment 100780

Antonov An-124 Ruslan - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

And we even have one already. Just needs to be repainted grey.

 

[calculus]

Timely:

RCAF future airlift analysis could open door to Airbus A400M Atlas for Canada - Skies Mag

As the RCAF’s CC-177 aircraft approach 20 years of service, the Air Force is evaluating whether an additional platform is needed to augment the fleet.

skiesmag.com

 

[PuckChaser]

Thread title updated, speculate/build wishlists to your heart's content.

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Thread title updated, speculate/build wishlists to your heart's content.

Arigato!

 

[KevinB]

How about the C-5?

Except that LocMart closed the line as well.
The C-5M upgrades were not entirely new airframes.

The C-5M is entirely a strategic airlift aircraft, as it has no rough field capability like the C-17.

The C-17 is a combo strategic anirlift asset and tactical airlift. It is relatively overbuilt for solely strategic lift usage as the land gear and fuselage are strengthen to do rough/improvised field take off and landings.

Canada’s C-17 fleet is not large enough to use it as a tactical airlift aircraft like it is down here.
One could argue your J Super Herc fleet isn’t either…

 

[daftandbarmy]

Except that LocMart closed the line as well.
The C-5M upgrades were not entirely new airframes.

The C-5M is entirely a strategic airlift aircraft, as it has no rough field capability like the C-17.

The C-17 is a combo strategic anirlift asset and tactical airlift. It is relatively overbuilt for solely strategic lift usage as the land gear and fuselage are strengthen to do rough/improvised field take off and landings.

Canada’s C-17 fleet is not large enough to use it as a tactical airlift aircraft like it is down here.
One could argue your J Super Herc fleet isn’t either…

Any advantages to the A400M over the Herc?

 

[KevinB]

Any advantages to the A400M over the Herc?

I really don’t know enough about that to comment with any confidence.

 

[Genetk44]

Any advantages to the A400M over the Herc?

I believe the A400M has a larger cargo capacity

 

[YZT580]

One other thought. If Boeing plans to re-open the C17 line they should make the decision sooner rather than later because their perspective customers are going to be looking at that 2029 closing date and making purchasing decisions. If they wait they may not have a market to build for.

 

[YZT580]

Any advantages to the A400M over the Herc?

One disadvantage is the cost. A single A400 goes for upwards of 200 million whilst the MC130J cost the Americans about 110 and I believe that is the fanciest version available. So 2 for one?

 

[dapaterson]

I believe the A400M has a larger cargo capacity

And you're not pouring money into LockMart.

 

[calculus]

Any advantages to the A400M over the Herc?

Here are a few of the most significant ones:

A400M max payload in 37 tonnes, vs 20 for the C130J.
A400M cruise speed is 780 km/h, vs 643 km/h for the C130J.
A400M Service Ceiling is 40,000 ft (12,200 m), vs 28,000 ft for the C130J
A400M Cargo Box Width is 4.0 meters (13.1 ft), vs 3.12 meters (10.2 ft) for the C130J
Range with max payloads is about the smae, at ~3300 kms