First grey RCAF Husky

On 30 September 2023, the first Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CC-330 Husky (Airbus A330-243) with serial 330003 rolled out in a grey overall colourscheme with RCAF/ARC titles. The aircraft had been freshly painted by Aviation Cosmetics Malta. The Airbus had arrived at Malta as 9K-APD (c/n 1678) on 11 September 2023.

As known, the Government of Canada qualified Airbus with their A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) as bidder for the Strategic Tanker Transport Capability (STTC) programme as replacement for the CC-150 Polaris.

The first two aircraft for the STTC programme were contracted earlier this year and are both former Kuwait Airways aircraft (9K-APC and 9K-APD). The two A330s will temporary operate in the passenger/cargo role awaiting their modification to military specifications.

Originally the number of A330s destined for the STTC programme was set at six aircraft. On 25 July 2023, the Government of Canada expanded the order to nine aircraft in total. All will be upgraded to multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) aircraft and they will play an integral role in providing air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, aeromedical evacuations, and strategic Government of Canada personnel transport, including transport of the Prime Minister, Governor General, and others, for decades to come.

Credit photo: Military Aviation Reachout