“CANADA FIRST” DEFENCE PROCUREMENT – TACTICAL AIRLIFT

The Canadian Forces’ need for both a strategic and a tactical airlift capability is a clear result of the missions they are mandated to fulfil and the operations they carry out. These two types of airlift capabilities serve different purposes and therefore require different aircraft that meet the specific requirements of the Canadian Forces.

Definitions
Tactical airlift is the lifeline of deployed forces, transporting equipment, troops and supplies to, within and from a theatre of operations. On Operation Archer, in Afghanistan, the CC-130 Hercules aircraft provides tactical airlift on a daily basis, without which the mission could not be sustained.

Strategic airlift is different in that it is the rapid transport of a large number of passengers and/or over-sized heavy cargo over long distances within Canada or between Canada and a theatre of operations. For example, the Canadian Forces’ Disaster Assistance Response Team requires the use of strategic airlift to deploy on humanitarian aid operations.

Identifying the needs of the Canadian Forces
Canada’s Hercules fleet has logged more flying hours in total than any other military Hercules fleet in the world. Three aircraft have been taken out of active service and it is estimated that up to 14 may be grounded earlier than their planned estimated life expectancy of 2010 because of accumulated fatigue. In the absence of a replacement program, the retirement of these aircraft would have a significant negative impact on the Canadian Forces’ ability to fulfil domestic missions and support overseas operations. Without addressing the need to revitalize the Canadian Forces’ airlift capabilities, departmental analysis has shown that by 2010 the residual capacity of the Hercules fleet will be engaged in the top priority fixed-wing search and rescue role, to the extent that the Canadian Forces’ capacity to provide tactical airlift support to operations would almost be eliminated.

The CC-130 Hercules is the workhorse of the Canadian Forces’ transport fleet, and variants of this rugged and versatile aircraft have served the Canadian Forces since the early 1960s. Over the years, certain fleet capabilities have been upgraded, and airframe and aircraft systems have been refurbished. The current fleet of Hercules – comprising of 32 aircraft: 19 E-models dating from 1964 to 1968 and 13 H-models dating from 1973 to 1992 – continues to be the Canadian Forces’ primary aircraft for tactical airlift, tactical air-to-air refuelling, limited strategic airlift and fixed-wing search and rescue, which is the fleet’s top priority.

Canada First at home and abroad – how we’ll meet needs moving forward
These new aircraft will provide an essential lifeline to deployed forces both at home and abroad as well as Canadians in distress.

Aircraft capabilities
The contractor selected for the tactical airlift project will be awarded a contract to deliver 17 aircraft that meet all the minimum mandatory capabilities of the Canadian Forces listed below:
• Range and payload - Sufficient range (4,630 kilometres) and payload capacity (8,165 kilograms) to support domestic and international deployed operations.
• Speed – Minimum acceptable enroute cruise speed that meets or exceeds that of the current Canadian Forces tactical transport aircraft, which is required to ensure the aircraft can quickly reach deployed troops and Canadians in distress.
• Global remote operations - Take off and landing from unpaved, short runways (914 metres by 27 metres).
• Cargo compartment - the aircraft must have adequate cargo compartment size to transport wheeled and NATO standard palletized equipment that is currently transportable with existing Canadian Forces tactical transport aircraft. As well, the aircraft must have the ability to load and unload palletized cargo at austere operating locations without the use of specialized loading equipment.
• Manoeuvrability – Allows tactical flight profiles at low-level altitudes (61 metres) in a threat environment.
• Aircraft certification –Aircraft must be certified to aviation certification standards recognized by Canada by the contract award date.
• Fleet size – Minimum fleet of 17 aircraft, sufficient to provide requisite tactical airlift, maintenance, test and evaluation and training, and to provide the flexibility to support three lines of operations simultaneously.
• Delivery – Delivery date of the first aircraft to be no later than 36 months after contract award and final aircraft delivery no later than 60 months after contract award.

A fair, open and transparent process
A solicitation of interest and qualification will be the competitive procurement approach used to acquire 17 tactical airlift aircraft. The estimated total project cost for the acquisition phase is $3.2 billion, including the cost to purchase the aircraft. An additional $1.7 billion has been estimated for the 20-year in-service support. The requirement for this equipment is urgent. Delivery is expected as soon as possible and will continue until the requirement is fully met.

A solicitation of interest and qualification is a new approach to procurement that invites potential suppliers to indicate their interest and demonstrate their ability to meet mandatory requirements. If more than one potential supplier meets the mandatory requirements, a formal request for proposal will be issued. This performance-based competitive process is fair, open and transparent and will foster strong two-way relationships between the Department and industry.

A good deal for Canadian industry
Benefits for Canadian industry will be substantial with the selected contractor required to provide full economic benefits. This means that for every contract dollar awarded, the contractor will commit a corresponding dollar in economic activity in Canada.

This move by the Government to deliver on its commitment to provide Canada’s military with tactical airlift capabilities uses innovative, fair and transparent means to guarantee the requirements of the Canadian Forces are met in a timely manner, while ensuring value for Canadians’ tax dollars and maximizing opportunities for Canadian industry.

Canada's new government will ensure that the acquisition of these aircraft delivers maximum high-quality industrial benefits to Canadians and that the Canadian aerospace industry is well positioned to play a significant role as this project proceeds.

This acquisition will create long-term industrial development for Canadians. The Government's policy requires that prime contractors on defence procurements undertake business activities in Canada, usually in an amount equal to the value of the contract they have won. This helps Canadian companies maintain globally competitive operations in the country and effectively support future national security requirements.

Strategic Airlift Backgrounder