Historic moment for the last RCAF CC-130E Hercules

News Article / April 5, 2016

RCAF News Release

The Department of National Defence has donated the last E-model CC-130 Hercules aircraft still in service with the Royal Canadian Air Force to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

The aircraft made its last flight this morning, flying from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron, Trenton (Ontario) to land at the Museum in Ottawa. This two-hour flight concluded more than fifty years of loyal service.

The Hercules will become part of the Museum’s permanent exhibition. This donation commemorates the significant role of the aircraft – a true workhorse of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Canadians will soon be able to admire firsthand this flagship of the Canadian Air Force. Rugged and versatile, the Hercules has participated in numerous search and rescue operations, and helped provide disaster relief.

“As we mark the final flight of the last remaining CC-130 E Hercules Legacy in service, we are reminded of the Canadian Armed Forces’ diligent efforts in responding to and preventing Search and Rescue emergencies. Today, let’s take a moment to honour this reliable flying giant that has served us well for more than five decades.”

Harjit S. Sajjan
Defence Minister

“As a former commanding officer of 429 Transport Squadron in Trenton, it’s an honour to be here today to mark an important milestone in our military history: the last flight of the CC-130E fleet. I encourage all Canadians to take a moment to pay a visit to this loyal workhorse, and reflect on the importance it had for Royal Canadian Air Force, Canada and Canadians.”

Karen McCrimmon
Member of Parliament for Kanata-Carleton

“The CC-130 Hercules is the mainstay of the RCAF’s tactical air mobility fleet. Since we acquired our first B-model Hercules in October 1960, this rugged transport aircraft has provided stellar service in times of peace and conflict. The Hercules is so integral to our mission success that we recently acquired the latest version, the J-model Hercules. Along with our legacy H models, the J model is providing unparalleled service to Canada and Canadians.

“I am delighted that Hercules No. 130307 – the last of our E-model Hercules – has found a permanent home with the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, where it will showcase the RCAF’s air mobility role for years to come.”

Lieutenant-General Michael Hood
Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force

“The Canada Aviation and Space Museum prides itself in charting not only Canada's rich aviation heritage but also the important milestones in the history and technology of flight. We appreciate the Department of National Defence's understanding of the usefulness of the aircraft beyond its active life span in the Royal Canadian Air Force and gratefully accept the guardianship of this significant aircraft for future generations.”

Alex Benay
President and CEO of Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation

• The Hercules offered to the Museum is the oldest Canadian example of the type, entering service in 1965. It was used as a transport airplane, a navigation training airplane, and a search and rescue airplane.
• The Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Armed Forces received 24 CC-130Es between December 1964 and August 1968.
• The Hercules offered to the Museum is the third CC-130E acquired by the Canadian military.