Airbus CC-150 Polaris

Airbus Commercial Aircraft · Canada · first flew 1992 · transport aircraft

The CC-150 Polaris is the Royal Canadian Air Force's designation for five Airbus A310-300 aircraft used in strategic transport and air-to-air refuelling roles. The aircraft are modified airliners serving as multi-role strategic assets.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbofan, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	Twin turbofan wide-body transport with T-style overwing exits
T — Tail	Conventional

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Canadian Forces designation for the Airbus A310
Twin turbofan wide-body transport with T-style overwing exits
Used for VIP transport and aerial refuelling by Canada

Visually identical to the commercial A310-300: twin underwing turbofans, a wide body slightly shorter than the A300, and the distinctive Airbus swept fin; RCAF examples carry grey military livery.

Specifications

The Airbus CC-150 Polaris has a length of 46.66 m (153 ft).
It has a wingspan of 43.9 m (144 ft).
Typical crew: 2 flight crew.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Canada acquired five A310s beginning in the early 1990s to replace aging Boeing 707 Stratolifters. Some were modified with Cobham probe-and-drogue refuelling pods for the AAR role, while others retained pure transport or VIP configurations. They have deployed on NATO operations, humanitarian missions, and VIP flights including for the Canadian prime minister.

Variants

Variants include the CC-150T tanker-transport and VIP-configured aircraft; all share the basic A310-300 airframe.

Where you'll see it

Continues to serve the Royal Canadian Air Force as of the mid-2020s, though replacement is under discussion.

Related aircraft

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