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| Monday, June 25, 2007 |
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Air Force welcomes upgrades - Long-needed new airplanes and helicopters finally on the way
By FlyingNews @ 1:10 PM :: 355 Views ::
0 Comments :: Military Aviation
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By John Boileau
Canada's air force has embarked on the most extensive program of new aircraft acquisition in decades, according to Lt.-Gen. Steve Lucas, the commander of the air force.
Lucas was in Halifax last week as part of a national tour explaining the air force's three main priorities for the next five to 10 years: operations, transformation and connecting with Canadians.
The conduct of operations - inside or outside Canada, alone or in conjunction with others - remains the air force's top priority. While most people think of the Canadian mission in Afghanistan as an army operation, nearly 20 per cent of the personnel involved - more than 500 men and women, or one in five - come from the air force.
The largest air-force commitment is spanning the air bridge between Canada and Afghanistan, which Lucas described as the "mission's lifeline." Our troops and their supplies stage through the Middle East on Hercules and Polaris Airbus aircraft, and then into Kandahar on Hercules.
Additionally, a Hercules is permanently stationed at Kandahar to provide tactical airlift throughout Afghanistan in support of Canadian and Allied soldiers. It transports troops and airdrops supplies in remote parts of the country, especially when winter restricts overland access to many regions.
Until recently, air-reserve personnel from Bridgewater and Pictou, members of 14 Airfield Engineering Squadron, were serving in Afghanistan. They assisted in various construction tasks, especially those that improved the security and livability of our troops.
'Canada First'
And while Afghanistan may be the air force's most visible operation, its primary focus is on what Lucas calls "Canada First" - a 24/7 job that includes surveillance and control of our air space, monitoring our maritime approaches, providing life-saving supplies to communities in distress and responding to requests for search and rescue.
The arrival of new aircraft over the next few years will have a huge impact on the air force's operational capabilities.
The long-awaited replacement for the Sea King maritime helicopter, the Cyclone, will enter service in 2009. The majority of the 28 being acquired will be stationed at Shearwater.
On the air-mobility side, four giant C-17 Globemasters will provide a strategic airlift capability that Canada never possessed before. In addition, the 17 new Hercules tactical transports being purchased are desperately needed - four of the current fleet of 32 have simply run out of hours and are grounded. By 2010, only 18 will still be flying.
Sixteen Chinooks will provide a helicopter lift capability, missing since Canada sold its Chinooks to the Dutch in 1991. Lucas said the Chinooks are especially valued for their ability "carry heavy loads in high hot conditions," such as those in Afghanistan.
Even these substantial purchases still leave other aircraft needing replacement. One of the most critical is a fixed wing search and rescue capability to replace the Buffaloes and Hercules, which will be required in the 2015 to 2017 time frame.
The CF-18 Hornet fighter is being modernized to extend its usefulness to 2017. Meanwhile, Canada is participating in the development of the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter, along with a number of other nations.
Although no commitment to purchase has been made, the JSF appears to be the most cost-attractive option for Canada.
The prospect of new aircraft entering service has had a positive effect on pilot retention in the air force, which has always lost pilots to civilian airlines. This has been especially true recently, when many pilots were flying airframes older than they were.
Lucas said the air force is also being transformed into a "more effective and operationally focused force." Changes have already occurred in the structure of headquarters, the consolidation of flying squadrons and the creation of the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre - a think-tank that has already become "the engine of change" for the air force.
Expeditionary force
A key part of the air force's transformation is from a largely static-based organization to a more expeditionary force, capable of working anywhere in Canada or overseas from austere locations with limited support.
Lucas said the final priority - connecting with Canadians - recognizes the fact that the air force needs "the continued support of the government and people of Canada in order to succeed." And that success is an essential part of keeping Canada and Canadians safe and secure in a dangerous world.
Source: www.airforce.forces.gc.ca
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