By Katherine Raines | Aerospace & Defense Correspondent
THERMAL, California — Coulson Aviation USA has strengthened its position as a global leader in aerial firefighting with the acquisition of four additional C-130H Hercules aircraft from the New Zealand Defence Force, expanding its total C-130H fleet to ten aircraft worldwide.
The newly acquired aircraft will be relocated to Coulson’s facility in Thermal, California, where they will undergo a comprehensive conversion and modernization program. Each Hercules will be equipped with Coulson’s proprietary RADS-XXL tank system, capable of delivering precision retardant drops of up to 4,000 gallons (15,000 liters) — enhancing large-scale response capabilities across the company’s global operations.
“These aircraft continue to enhance our ability to respond rapidly and effectively to wildfires around the world,” said Britton Coulson, President and COO of Coulson Aviation USA. “Our mission remains clear — to save lives, protect communities, and safeguard vital natural and economic resources.”
The conversions will begin later this year in close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As part of Coulson’s vertically integrated model — encompassing aircraft acquisition, engineering, modification, operations, and maintenance — all work will be conducted in-house, allowing for rapid delivery and customized solutions to meet evolving wildfire suppression needs worldwide.
Coulson emphasized the growing importance of heavy air tankers amid escalating fire seasons. “We’ve all witnessed the increasing intensity of wildfires — from Lahaina, Maui in 2023 to Malibu, California in 2024 and 2025,” he said. “On days of extreme fire behavior, it’s large platforms like the C-130s and CH-47s that truly make a difference.”
The former Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130Hs bring with them a storied operational history, having served in missions from Antarctica to Afghanistan. Their new chapter with Coulson Aviation will see them reimagined as critical tools in the global fight against wildfires, supporting missions across North America, Australia, and beyond.
With this expansion, Coulson Aviation continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, readiness, and international collaboration in the aerial firefighting industry — ensuring that when the next major wildfire ignites, the world’s most capable fleet is ready to respond.