Bombardier 415
| CL-415 | |
|---|---|
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|
| Role | Amphibious water bomber |
| Manufacturer |
Canadair Bombardier Aerospace |
| First flight | December 6, 1993 |
| Introduction | 1994 |
| Status | Active service |
| Primary users |
Protezione Civile (Italy) Sécurité Civile (France) Hellenic Air Force Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (Ontario) |
| Produced | 1993-2015 |
| Number built | 90 |
| Unit cost |
$37 million CAD
|
| Developed from | Canadair CL-215 |
The Canadair CL-415, later known as the Bombardier 415, is an amphibious aircraft from Canada purpose-built as a water bomber. It is an aircraft designed and built specifically for aerial firefighting and is based on the company's CL-215. It is marketed in the United States as the "Superscooper."
In 1987, following market trends towards more efficient, powerful and reliable turboprop powerplants, Canadair undertook the task of retrofitting 17 CL-215 airframes with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF engines, providing a 15% power increase over the original piston engines as well as enhanced reliability and safety. The retrofitted aircraft were designated CL-215T and also featured many aerodynamic and systems improvements including powered flight controls, cockpit air conditioning, as well as upgraded electrical and avionics systems. The most notable external features of the CL-215T retrofit were the aerodynamic additions to the wings and empennage.
Based on the success of the CL-215, the company introduced the CL-415, a new-build production series beginning in 1993. The CL-415 has an updated cockpit, aerodynamics enhancements and changes to the water-release system as well, creating a modern firefighting amphibious flying boat for use in detecting and suppressing forest fires.
Compared to the CL-215, the CL-415 has increased operating weight and speed, yielding improved productivity and performance. The 415 can scoop up to 6,140 litres (1350 Imperial gal or 1,620 US gal) of water from a nearby water source, mix it with a chemical foam if desired, and drop it on a fire without having to return to base to refill its tanks. The CL-415 was specifically developed to provide the capability to deliver massive quantities of suppressant in quick response to fires. The aircraft is built for reliability and longevity, with use of corrosion-resistant materials. The new 415GR has higher operating weights while the CL-415 multi-role is available for use in a paramilitary search and rescue role and utility transport.
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Wikipedia