CC-150 Polaris

CC-150 Length: 46.66 m Wingspan: 43.9 m Height: 15.8 m Weight 157,000 kg Engine: 2 GE CF6-80C2A2 Speed: 860 knots Ceiling: 13,667 m Range: 11,668 km Load: 32,000 kg or 194 passengers Years Procured: 1992 to 1993 Quantity: 5 (2 configured for air-to-air refuelling) [1]

The service chameleon is the Polaris (A310-300 Airbus), a twin-engine, high-speed commercial jet easily converted to passenger, freight or medical transport. By 2004/05, an air-to-air refueling capability will be added to the fleet.

CC-150 PolarisTwo Polaris are being converted as strategic air-to-air refuellers to support the CF-18 Hornet fighter-bomber fleet. Stationed at 8 Wing Trenton, Ont., 437 Squadron (The Huskies) is the only transport squadron equipped with the Polaris, which replaced the aging Boeing 707 in 1997.

The five-plane fleet's primary role is long-range transport of personnel and equipment, up to 194 passengers or 32,000 kg of cargo. They've participated in operations supporting Canadian Forces, NATO and numerous United Nations and Red Cross initiatives. During December 1995's Operation Alliance, about 1,161,000 kg of freight and 800 personnel were airlifted to Zaire using Polaris, Boeing 707 and Hercules transports. CC-150 PolarisDuring August 2003 OP PEREGRINE, about 1500 troops were airlifted to battle forest fires in the Kelowna B.C. area using the Polaris.

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