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Canadair CL-415

November 19, 2023

The Canadair CL-415 (Super Scooper,[2] later Bombardier 415) and the De Havilland Canada DHC-515 are a series of amphibious aircraft built originally by Canadair and subsequently by Bombardier and Viking Air, and De Havilland Canada. The CL-415 is based on the Canadair CL-215 and is designed specifically for aerial firefighting; it can perform various other roles, such as search and rescue and utility transport.

CL-415 / DHC-515
Role Aerial firefighting
Manufacturer Canadair
Bombardier Aerospace
De Havilland Canada
First flight 6 December 1993
Introduction 1994
Status Active service
Primary users Vigili del Fuoco (Italy)
Sécurité Civile (France)
Hellenic Air Force (Greece)
Quebec Service aérien gouvernemental
Produced CL-415: 1993–2015 / DHC-515: 2022-present
Number built 95[1]
Developed from Canadair CL-215

Development of the CL-415 began in the early 1990s, shortly after the success of the CL-215T retrofit programme had proven a viable demand for a turboprop-powered model of the original CL-215. Entering production in 2003, in addition to its new engines, the aircraft featured numerous modernisation efforts and advances over the CL-215, particularly in terms of its cockpit and aerodynamics, to yield improved performance. By the time the programme's production phase had begun, it was owned by Bombardier, who continued production up until 2015. In October 2016, the CL-415 programme was acquired by Viking Air, aiming to produce an updated CL-515,[3] since renamed the DHC-515 Firefighter, and to be produced in Calgary, Alberta, by De Havilland Canada.[4]

Development edit

Origins edit

Introduced during 1966, the CL-215 was the first aircraft specifically designed to be a water bomber.[5] A total of 125 aircraft were constructed prior to the final CL-215 being delivered during May 1990.[6]

During 1987, in response to prevailing 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. This engine provided a 15 percent power increase over the original piston engines, as well as enhanced reliability and safety. The retrofitted aircraft were designated CL-215T.[7] Speaking during the new model's development, company officials recognised that market demand for the CL-215T was marginal, and thus not enough to justify developing an all-new aircraft.[7] Despite this, it featured numerous enhancements, including the addition of powered flight controls, air conditioning in the cockpit, as well as various upgraded electrical and avionics systems. The most notable external features of the CL-215T retrofit were the aerodynamic additions to the wings and empennage.[6]

Having conducted the relatively successful CL-215T programme, the company decided to develop a further improved model of the aircraft CL-415, which would take form as a new-build production series. On 6 December 1993, the CL-415 conducted its maiden flight, while the first deliveries commenced during November 1994.[8] One year later, a 180-day sales tour traversing 21 countries commenced using a CL-415 owned by the Quebec Government.[9] That same year, Bombardier stated that it was in the planning phase of a six-point improvement plan for the CL-415, which was principally intended to diversify its capabilities.[10][11]

Orders for the type were promptly received from several countries, which included several lease and purchase arrangements; by July 1996, 37 examples were reportedly in service with operators in Canada, France, Italy, and Spain.[12] Starting in 1998, the CL-415 was being assembled at Bombardier Aerospace's facility near North Bay/Jack Garland Airport in North Bay, Ontario, and tested on Lake Nipissing.[13] During the 2010s, according to aerospace periodical Flight International, there was a downturn in sales of the type. A total of ninety-five CL-415s had been completed when Bombardier closed down the production line in October 2015, although the company continued to actively market the type as well as to provide support for the existing fleet beyond this date.[14]

Viking era edit

For several decades, Bombardier had experienced a period of significant expansion until encountering financial hardship during the 2010s, largely brought on by the very high costs involved in developing the CSeries narrow-body airliner.[15][16] The much smaller Viking Aircraft started off as a component manufacturing specialist, which came to include the licensed production of parts of several of Bombardier's discontinued aircraft range, helping operators to keep them in service.[17][18] During 2008, Bombardier and Viking Air reached an arrangement under which the former sold the design documents and all intellectual property rights of all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft from the DHC-1 Chipmunk through the DASH-7 50 passenger STOL regional airliner to Viking.[19][20] Its unit cost in 2014 was 36.9 million US dollars.[21]

On 20 June 2016, it was announced that Viking Air was in the process of purchasing the CL-415 type certificate from Bombardier, along with the older CL-215 and CL-215T models.[22][23][24] The acquisition was finalised on 3 October 2016.[25] Shortly following the acquisition, Viking began work on the design of a modernized CL-515 version.[18][26]

During December 2018, a full-flight CL-415 simulator, capable of simulating water scoop and bombing operations, received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. Prior to this, pilot training had typically involved live flying of the aircraft.[27]

On 21 June 2019, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense announced it was purchasing six CL-515s for delivery in 2024.[28][29]

On 31 March 2022, Viking Air through De Havilland Canada renamed the CL-515 as the DHC-515, planning for production and final assembly in Calgary, Alberta, where the CL-215 and CL-415 are supported, with 22 letters of intent from European customers.[30][31]

Design edit

 
A Spanish Air Force CL-415, showing its 4 underbelly doors opened.
 
Italian Vigili del Fuoco refilling near Alghero, spilling excess water through underwing overflow ports
Further information: Canadair CL-215 § Design

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. Due to the increased power of its pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines, each capable of generating up to 1,775 kW of thrust, these are located closer to the fuselage in comparison to the CL-215's arrangement.[6] While this repositioning would typically reduce lateral stability on its own, this is rectified via the addition of an inverted fixed leading edge slat forward of the righthand horizontal stabiliser. Furthermore, winglets have been adopted on this model for the purpose of improving directional stability.[6]

The CL-415 can scoop up to 6,140 L (1,350 imp gal; 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.[6] The CL-415 was specifically developed to provide the capability to deliver large quantities of suppressant in quick response to fires. This is stored within large tanks which are located mostly beneath the cabin floor within the hull, although a header tank above this level is present on either side of the fuselage.[6] The airframe is built for reliability and longevity, making extensive use of corrosion-resistant materials, predominantly treated aluminium, that facilitates its use in salt water. According to Flight International, the CL-415 has good handling on the water, being relatively easy to operate in comparison with several other amphibious aircraft.[6] The CL-515 can hold up to 7,000 litres (1,850 US gallons), and has a refill time of 14 seconds.[3]

The aircraft requires 1,340 m (4,400 ft) of flyable length to descend from 15 m (49 ft) altitude, scoop 6,137 L (1,350 imp gal; 1,621 US gal) of water during a twelve-second 410-metre-long (1,350 ft) run on the water at 70 knots (130 km/h; 81 mph), then climb back to 15 m (49 ft) altitude. The aircraft can also pick up partial loads in smaller areas, and can turn while scooping if necessary.[32] Management of the water bombing system is centralised via a water status panel on the flight instrumentation, giving direct control to the pilots; various dispersal patterns and sequences can be selected. A manually-operated emergency dump lever is also present, bypassing this system.[6] Bombardier have claimed that the type performs 6.9 water drops for every flight hours of the type.[6] The CL-415GR variant features higher operating weights, while the CL-415 multi-role model is available for purposes in a paramilitary search and rescue role and utility transport.

Operational history edit

 
World operators of the CL-415

Derived from its predecessor's nickname, the aircraft has acquired the name "Super Scooper" in light of its greatly enhanced performance as a water bomber and fire suppresser. In recognition of its abilities, the aircraft was awarded in 2006 the Batefuegos de oro (gold fire extinguisher) by the Asociacion para la Promocion de Actividades Socioculturales (APAS) in Spain; the award citation in part read "This is the most efficient tool for the aerial combat of forest fires, key to the organization of firefighting in a large number of countries. The continuous improvements to meet the needs of forest firefighting have made these aircraft the aerial means most in demand over more than 30 years."[33]

By 1999, a total of 51 orders had been secured for the type; operators have reportedly predominantly used the CL-415 for firefighting and maritime search and rescue purposes.[34] Of the 95 built, seven had reportedly been removed from service as a result of several accidents by December 2007.[35]

Variants edit

CL-415
The original model, 86 built.
CL-415MP
Maritime patrol version, three built.[36]
CL-415GR
Improved version for the Hellenic Air Force, capable of higher operating weights.[34] Six built.
CL-415EAF
Enhanced Aerial Firefighter.[37] In 2019, six CL-415EAF Superscooper aircraft were ordered by launch customer, Bridger Aerospace, due for delivery in April 2020.[38]
DHC-515 (formerly CL-515)
Updated version by Viking Air, later renamed as the DHC-515.[4] Parts of the fuselage and wings will be manufactured in North Saanich, British Columbia near the Victoria International Airport, while final assembly will be done in Calgary, Alberta.[39]

Operators edit

 
Croatian Air Force CL-415 right before refilling in Živogošće
 
Two Hellenic Air Force CL-415 refilling off the coast of Atlit to fight the 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire
 
French Sécurité Civile CL-415 dropping water

In 2016/2019, there were 164 in-service CL-215 and CL-415s in 11 countries.[40]

CL-215(T)/415 in service as of mid-2016
Country Current Fleet[41] On Order Operators
Canada 64 2019 figures, all others 2016:
Croatia 6 2 Croatian Air Force / Croatian Fire Brigade 885th Firefighting Squadron, 6 CL-415, 2 CL-515 in order
France 12 Sécurité Civile
Greece 17 8 Hellenic Air Force, 7 CL-415, 10 CL-215, 8 CL-515 on order[42]
Indonesia 0 6

On 21 June 2019, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense announced it was purchasing six CL-515s for delivery in 2024.[28][29]

Italy 18 Vigili del Fuoco[43]
Malaysia 2 Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (firefighting)[44]
Morocco 6[45] 6 Royal Moroccan Air Force
Portugal 0 2 Portuguese Air Force purchased two CL-515s in 2022 to fight forest fires. Both units will be received in 2026[46]
Spain 25 Spanish Air and Space Force, operates 14 CL-215 and 4 CL-415s, 43rd Group of the Air Force
United States 10
Total 160 21

Accidents edit

Out of the 95 CL-415s built, 14 have been destroyed in the following accidents:

  • 11 November 1997 – s/n 2025 – F-ZBFQ/Pelican 43 – Sécurité Civile France, near La Ciotat (France).[47]
  • 16 August 2003 – s/n 2008 – I-DPCN – SOREM Italy, near Esine (Italy).[48]
  • 8 March 2004 – s/n 2018 – F-ZBEZ/Pelican 41 – Sécurité Civile France, at Sainte Croix Lake (France).[49]
  • 18 March 2005 – s/n 2051 – I-DPCK – SOREM Italy, near Seravezza (Italy).[50]
  • 1 August 2005 – s/n 2011 – F-ZBEO/Pelican 36 – Sécurité Civile France, near Pietra Maggiore - Corsica (France).[51]
  • 25 April 2006 – s/n 2039 – Hellenic Air Force.
  • 23 July 2007 – s/n 2055 (CL-415MP) – Hellenic Air Force, near Styra (Greece).[52]
  • 23 July 2007 – s/n 2045 – I-DPCX – SOREM Italy, near Roccapreturo (Italy).[53]
  • 3 July 2013 – s/n 2076 – C-FIZU – Canada, at Moosehead Lake (Canada).[54]
  • 5 May 2014 – s/n 2050 – Hellenic Air Force.
  • 27 Oct 2022 - s/n 2060 - I-DPCN- Linguaglossa, Sicily, Italy [55]


Specifications (CL-415) edit

 
Three-view diagram

Data from Viking[56]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 6,137 L (1,350 imp gal; 1,621 US gal) (waterbombing), up to 18 paratroops, up to 2,903 kg (6,400 lb) of cargo
  • Length: 20.4 m (66 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 28.38 m (93.11 ft)
  • Height: 9.01 m (29.55 ft)
  • Wing area: 100 m2 (1,080 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 8.03
  • Empty weight: 13,608 kg (30,000 lb)
  • Gross weight: 21,319 kg (47,000 lb) Maximum After-scooping Weight
  • Max takeoff weight: 19,890 kg (43,850 lb) Firefighting, Land
  • Fuel capacity: 4,650 kg (10,250 lb) 5812 L ( 1535 US Gal; 1278 imp Gal)
  • Cabin volume: 35.6 m3 (1,260 cu ft)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop, 1,775 kW (2,380 hp) each ISA+20 °C Flat rated
  • Propellers: 4-bladed Hamilton Sundstrand 14SF-19, 3.97 m (13 ft 0 in) diameter Fully reversible, feathering blades

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 359 km/h (223 mph, 194 kn) Max Cruise
  • Cruise speed: 333 km/h (207 mph, 180 kn) Normal Cruise
  • Stall speed: 126 km/h (78 mph, 68 kn) MLW, Landing Configuration
  • Ferry range: 2,427 km (1,508 mi, 1,310 nmi) 278 km/h (150 kn) Long Range Cruise
  • Endurance: 3 hours at 200 nmi (370 km) from base
  • g limits: +3.25−1.0 g
  • Rate of climb: 5.9 m/s (1,170 ft/min) (ISA, MTOW)
  • Wing loading: 212.5 kg/m2 (43.52 lb/sq ft) Maximum After-scooping
  • Takeoff (ISA): 783 m (2,569 ft) (land), 814 m (2,671 ft) (water)
  • Landing (ISA): 674 m (2,211 ft) (land), 665 m (2,182 ft) (water)

See also edit

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References edit

  1. ^ . Archived from the original on 8 November 2013.
  2. ^ "Super Scooper Helps U.S. Forest Service Get Handle On California Wildfires". sacramento.cbslocal.com. CBS. 29 July 2015. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Viking Canadair 515". Viking Air Ltd. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  4. ^ a b "De Havilland launches DHC-515 Firefighter program". Skies. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  5. ^ "Canadair CL-215." Flight International, 21 November 1968. p. 871.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i Gerzanics, Mike (21 August 2009). "FLIGHT TEST: Bombardier 415 – The superscooper". Flight International.
  7. ^ a b Goold, Ian CL-215 "Water Jet". Flight International, 31 December 1988. p. 23.
  8. ^ "Bombardier 415". aerospace.bombardier.com. Retrieved 13 April 2010.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ "CL-415 launched on 180-day world tour". Flight International. 8 November 1995.
  10. ^ Warwick, Graham (20 September 1995). "Canadair prepares CL-415 upgrades". Flight International.
  11. ^ "Bombardier plans improved CL-415". Flight International. 28 February 1996.
  12. ^ "CL-215 leases". Flight International. 3 July 1996.
  13. ^ "CN-415 assembly". Flight International. 27 May 1998.
  14. ^ Trimble, Stephen (15 October 2015). "Bombardier to close CL-415 completion center". Flight International.
  15. ^ "Bombardier "Couldn't Afford" CSeries Alone, Admits CEO Alain Bellemare". Radio Canada. 20 February 2020.
  16. ^ Jens Flottau, Graham Warwick and Guy Norris (27 October 2017). "Airbus/Bombardier C Series Deal Has Broad Implications". Aviation Week & Space Technology.
  17. ^ "Nils Christensen". Helicopters Magazine. 25 September 2008.
  18. ^ a b Thatcher, Chris (22 August 2018). "Viking Air contemplates new CL-515 waterbomber variant". Skies magazine.
  19. ^ . Wings Magazine. 5 May 2005. Archived from the original on 28 May 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  20. ^ Viking Air Limited (23 February 2006). "Viking Acquires Type Certificates for de Havilland Canada Heritage Aircraft from Bombardier" (Press release).
  21. ^ "Bombardier Announces Order for Amphibious Aircraft" (Press release). Bombardier. 26 March 2014.
  22. ^ "Viking Air to buy type certificates for Bombardier amphibians". Flight International. 21 June 2016.
  23. ^ "Bombardier Announces a Definitive Agreement for the Sale of its Amphibious Aircraft Program to Viking Air Limited" (Press release). Bombardier. 20 June 2016.
  24. ^ (Press release). Viking Air. 20 June 2016. Archived from the original on 23 June 2016.
  25. ^ "Viking completes acquisition of Bombardier's amphibious aircraft programme". Flight Global. 3 October 2016.
  26. ^ "Viking expects CL-515 launch decision in early 2019". Flight Global. 31 October 2018.
  27. ^ . Civil Aviation Training. 12 March 2019. Archived from the original on 3 July 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
  28. ^ a b "Viking to deliver six aircraft to the Republic of Indonesia's Ministry of Defence". Airmed & Rescue. 21 June 2019.[permanent dead link]
  29. ^ a b "Indonesia to receive world's first CL-515 in seven aircraft deal with Longview". Wings magazine. 24 June 2019.
  30. ^ "De Havilland launches DHC-515 Firefighter program". Skies Mag. 31 March 2022.
  31. ^ The Canadian Press (31 March 2022). "De Havilland to manufacture line of firefighting planes in Calgary". CBC News.
  32. ^ . Bombardier. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014.
  33. ^ "Bombardier 415 SuperScooper Amphibious Aircraft". Newatlas.com. 5 March 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
  34. ^ a b "Greek order marks launch of Canadair 415GR". Flight International. 13 January 1999.
  35. ^ "Canadair CL-415." 5 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine baaa-acro.com. Retrieved: 29 July 2011.
  36. ^ . aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com. Archived from the original on 22 November 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  37. ^ "CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter | Longview Aviation Services". www.lvas.ca.
  38. ^ "Longview's CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter makes inaugural flight". Skies Mag. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  39. ^ "Aircraft manufacturer builds new firefighting planes on Vancouver Island". www.cbc.ca. 7 September 2023.
  40. ^ Amy Laboda (12 October 2018). "Viking Air Preps for Fire Season, Updates Water Scooper Line". AIN online.
  41. ^ "In Service Aircraft". Viking.
  42. ^ "Ministers announce mammoth fire prevention plan, aircraft upgrade". Kathimerini. 15 June 2021.
  43. ^ "Canadair – vigilfuoco.tv".
  44. ^ "MMEA uses 198,000 litres of water to fight forest fire in Miri". Malay Mail. 16 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  45. ^ https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/05/355397/morocco-reinforces-its-firefighting-fleet-with-6th-canadair-water-bomber
  46. ^ "Incêndios: Portugal vai comprar dois Canadair, os bombeiros e a Força Aérea discutem opção. São mais caros e menos ágeis no combate ao fogo". Jornal Expresso (in European Portuguese). 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  47. ^ "Crash of a Canadair CL-415-6B11 off La Ciotat: 1 killed | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives". baaa-acro.com. from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  48. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) I-DPCN Esine". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  49. ^ "Crash of a Canadair CL-415 off Les Salles-sur-Verdon: 2 killed | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives". baaa-acro.com. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  50. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) I-DPCK Forte dei Marmi". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  51. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) F-ZBEO Calvi". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  52. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) 2055 Dilesos". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  53. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) I-DPCX Acciano". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  54. ^ "Crash of a Canadair CL-415 in Moosehead Lake | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives". baaa-acro.com. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
  55. ^ Ranter, Harro. "ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) I-DPCN Linguaglossa, Sicily". aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  56. ^ "Firefighting > Specifications". Viking.

Further reading edit

  • Pickler, Ron and Larry Milberry. Canadair: The First 50 Years. Toronto: CANAV Books, 1995. ISBN 0-921022-07-7.
  • Keijsper, Gerard. "Water-Bombers Required!" Air Forces Monthly, London: Key Publishing, July 2008 Issue.
  • Belmonte de Gálvez, Manuel (18 December 2018). En pasada. De aviones, almas y llamas. Amazinante Ediciones. p. http://www.amazinante.com/.
  • Marsaly, Frederic and Samuel Pretat. "Bombardiers d'eau/ Canadair Scoopers." Editions Minimonde76, May 2012, ISBN 978-2-95418-180-6.

External links edit

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Canadair CL-415.

November 19, 2023
canadair, super, scooper, later, bombardier, havilland, canada, series, amphibious, aircraft, built, originally, canadair, subsequently, bombardier, viking, havilland, canada, based, canadair, designed, specifically, aerial, firefighting, perform, various, oth. The Canadair CL 415 Super Scooper 2 later Bombardier 415 and the De Havilland Canada DHC 515 are a series of amphibious aircraft built originally by Canadair and subsequently by Bombardier and Viking Air and De Havilland Canada The CL 415 is based on the Canadair CL 215 and is designed specifically for aerial firefighting it can perform various other roles such as search and rescue and utility transport CL 415 DHC 515Role Aerial firefightingManufacturer CanadairBombardier Aerospace De Havilland CanadaFirst flight 6 December 1993Introduction 1994Status Active servicePrimary users Vigili del Fuoco Italy Securite Civile France Hellenic Air Force Greece Quebec Service aerien gouvernementalProduced CL 415 1993 2015 DHC 515 2022 presentNumber built 95 1 Developed from Canadair CL 215Development of the CL 415 began in the early 1990s shortly after the success of the CL 215T retrofit programme had proven a viable demand for a turboprop powered model of the original CL 215 Entering production in 2003 in addition to its new engines the aircraft featured numerous modernisation efforts and advances over the CL 215 particularly in terms of its cockpit and aerodynamics to yield improved performance By the time the programme s production phase had begun it was owned by Bombardier who continued production up until 2015 In October 2016 the CL 415 programme was acquired by Viking Air aiming to produce an updated CL 515 3 since renamed the DHC 515 Firefighter and to be produced in Calgary Alberta by De Havilland Canada 4 Contents 1 Development 1 1 Origins 1 2 Viking era 2 Design 3 Operational history 4 Variants 5 Operators 5 1 Accidents 6 Specifications CL 415 7 See also 8 References 9 Further reading 10 External linksDevelopment editOrigins edit Introduced during 1966 the CL 215 was the first aircraft specifically designed to be a water bomber 5 A total of 125 aircraft were constructed prior to the final CL 215 being delivered during May 1990 6 During 1987 in response to prevailing market trends towards more efficient powerful and reliable turboprop powerplants Canadair undertook the task of retrofitting 17 CL 215 airframes with the Pratt amp Whitney Canada PW123AF engines This engine provided a 15 percent power increase over the original piston engines as well as enhanced reliability and safety The retrofitted aircraft were designated CL 215T 7 Speaking during the new model s development company officials recognised that market demand for the CL 215T was marginal and thus not enough to justify developing an all new aircraft 7 Despite this it featured numerous enhancements including the addition of powered flight controls air conditioning in the cockpit as well as various upgraded electrical and avionics systems The most notable external features of the CL 215T retrofit were the aerodynamic additions to the wings and empennage 6 Having conducted the relatively successful CL 215T programme the company decided to develop a further improved model of the aircraft CL 415 which would take form as a new build production series On 6 December 1993 the CL 415 conducted its maiden flight while the first deliveries commenced during November 1994 8 One year later a 180 day sales tour traversing 21 countries commenced using a CL 415 owned by the Quebec Government 9 That same year Bombardier stated that it was in the planning phase of a six point improvement plan for the CL 415 which was principally intended to diversify its capabilities 10 11 Orders for the type were promptly received from several countries which included several lease and purchase arrangements by July 1996 37 examples were reportedly in service with operators in Canada France Italy and Spain 12 Starting in 1998 the CL 415 was being assembled at Bombardier Aerospace s facility near North Bay Jack Garland Airport in North Bay Ontario and tested on Lake Nipissing 13 During the 2010s according to aerospace periodical Flight International there was a downturn in sales of the type A total of ninety five CL 415s had been completed when Bombardier closed down the production line in October 2015 although the company continued to actively market the type as well as to provide support for the existing fleet beyond this date 14 Viking era edit For several decades Bombardier had experienced a period of significant expansion until encountering financial hardship during the 2010s largely brought on by the very high costs involved in developing the CSeries narrow body airliner 15 16 The much smaller Viking Aircraft started off as a component manufacturing specialist which came to include the licensed production of parts of several of Bombardier s discontinued aircraft range helping operators to keep them in service 17 18 During 2008 Bombardier and Viking Air reached an arrangement under which the former sold the design documents and all intellectual property rights of all out of production de Havilland aircraft from the DHC 1 Chipmunk through the DASH 7 50 passenger STOL regional airliner to Viking 19 20 Its unit cost in 2014 was 36 9 million US dollars 21 On 20 June 2016 it was announced that Viking Air was in the process of purchasing the CL 415 type certificate from Bombardier along with the older CL 215 and CL 215T models 22 23 24 The acquisition was finalised on 3 October 2016 25 Shortly following the acquisition Viking began work on the design of a modernized CL 515 version 18 26 During December 2018 a full flight CL 415 simulator capable of simulating water scoop and bombing operations received European Aviation Safety Agency EASA certification Prior to this pilot training had typically involved live flying of the aircraft 27 On 21 June 2019 the Indonesian Ministry of Defense announced it was purchasing six CL 515s for delivery in 2024 28 29 On 31 March 2022 Viking Air through De Havilland Canada renamed the CL 515 as the DHC 515 planning for production and final assembly in Calgary Alberta where the CL 215 and CL 415 are supported with 22 letters of intent from European customers 30 31 Design edit nbsp A Spanish Air Force CL 415 showing its 4 underbelly doors opened nbsp Italian Vigili del Fuoco refilling near Alghero spilling excess water through underwing overflow portsFurther information Canadair CL 215 Design 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 Due to the increased power of its pair of Pratt amp Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines each capable of generating up to 1 775 kW of thrust these are located closer to the fuselage in comparison to the CL 215 s arrangement 6 While this repositioning would typically reduce lateral stability on its own this is rectified via the addition of an inverted fixed leading edge slat forward of the righthand horizontal stabiliser Furthermore winglets have been adopted on this model for the purpose of improving directional stability 6 The CL 415 can scoop up to 6 140 L 1 350 imp gal 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 6 The CL 415 was specifically developed to provide the capability to deliver large quantities of suppressant in quick response to fires This is stored within large tanks which are located mostly beneath the cabin floor within the hull although a header tank above this level is present on either side of the fuselage 6 The airframe is built for reliability and longevity making extensive use of corrosion resistant materials predominantly treated aluminium that facilitates its use in salt water According to Flight International the CL 415 has good handling on the water being relatively easy to operate in comparison with several other amphibious aircraft 6 The CL 515 can hold up to 7 000 litres 1 850 US gallons and has a refill time of 14 seconds 3 The aircraft requires 1 340 m 4 400 ft of flyable length to descend from 15 m 49 ft altitude scoop 6 137 L 1 350 imp gal 1 621 US gal of water during a twelve second 410 metre long 1 350 ft run on the water at 70 knots 130 km h 81 mph then climb back to 15 m 49 ft altitude The aircraft can also pick up partial loads in smaller areas and can turn while scooping if necessary 32 Management of the water bombing system is centralised via a water status panel on the flight instrumentation giving direct control to the pilots various dispersal patterns and sequences can be selected A manually operated emergency dump lever is also present bypassing this system 6 Bombardier have claimed that the type performs 6 9 water drops for every flight hours of the type 6 The CL 415GR variant features higher operating weights while the CL 415 multi role model is available for purposes in a paramilitary search and rescue role and utility transport Operational history edit nbsp World operators of the CL 415Derived from its predecessor s nickname the aircraft has acquired the name Super Scooper in light of its greatly enhanced performance as a water bomber and fire suppresser In recognition of its abilities the aircraft was awarded in 2006 the Batefuegos de oro gold fire extinguisher by the Asociacion para la Promocion de Actividades Socioculturales APAS in Spain the award citation in part read This is the most efficient tool for the aerial combat of forest fires key to the organization of firefighting in a large number of countries The continuous improvements to meet the needs of forest firefighting have made these aircraft the aerial means most in demand over more than 30 years 33 By 1999 a total of 51 orders had been secured for the type operators have reportedly predominantly used the CL 415 for firefighting and maritime search and rescue purposes 34 Of the 95 built seven had reportedly been removed from service as a result of several accidents by December 2007 35 Variants editCL 415 The original model 86 built CL 415MP Maritime patrol version three built 36 CL 415GR Improved version for the Hellenic Air Force capable of higher operating weights 34 Six built CL 415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter 37 In 2019 six CL 415EAF Superscooper aircraft were ordered by launch customer Bridger Aerospace due for delivery in April 2020 38 DHC 515 formerly CL 515 Updated version by Viking Air later renamed as the DHC 515 4 Parts of the fuselage and wings will be manufactured in North Saanich British Columbia near the Victoria International Airport while final assembly will be done in Calgary Alberta 39 Operators edit nbsp Croatian Air Force CL 415 right before refilling in Zivogosce nbsp Two Hellenic Air Force CL 415 refilling off the coast of Atlit to fight the 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire nbsp French Securite Civile CL 415 dropping waterIn 2016 2019 there were 164 in service CL 215 and CL 415s in 11 countries 40 CL 215 T 415 in service as of mid 2016 Country Current Fleet 41 On Order OperatorsCanada 64 2019 figures all others 2016 Air Spray Buffalo Airways Conair Group Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Service aerien gouvernemental Quebec Longview Aviation Asset Management Corp Longview Aviation Services Inc Province of Manitoba Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Ministry of Environment Saskatchewan Croatia 6 2 Croatian Air Force Croatian Fire Brigade 885th Firefighting Squadron 6 CL 415 2 CL 515 in orderFrance 12 Securite CivileGreece 17 8 Hellenic Air Force 7 CL 415 10 CL 215 8 CL 515 on order 42 Indonesia 0 6 On 21 June 2019 the Indonesian Ministry of Defense announced it was purchasing six CL 515s for delivery in 2024 28 29 Italy 18 Vigili del Fuoco 43 Malaysia 2 Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency firefighting 44 Morocco 6 45 6 Royal Moroccan Air ForcePortugal 0 2 Portuguese Air Force purchased two CL 515s in 2022 to fight forest fires Both units will be received in 2026 46 Spain 25 Spanish Air and Space Force operates 14 CL 215 and 4 CL 415s 43rd Group of the Air ForceUnited States 10 Los Angeles County FD San Diego County United States Forest Service Bridger AerospaceTotal 160 21Accidents edit Out of the 95 CL 415s built 14 have been destroyed in the following accidents 11 November 1997 s n 2025 F ZBFQ Pelican 43 Securite Civile France near La Ciotat France 47 16 August 2003 s n 2008 I DPCN SOREM Italy near Esine Italy 48 8 March 2004 s n 2018 F ZBEZ Pelican 41 Securite Civile France at Sainte Croix Lake France 49 18 March 2005 s n 2051 I DPCK SOREM Italy near Seravezza Italy 50 1 August 2005 s n 2011 F ZBEO Pelican 36 Securite Civile France near Pietra Maggiore Corsica France 51 25 April 2006 s n 2039 Hellenic Air Force 23 July 2007 s n 2055 CL 415MP Hellenic Air Force near Styra Greece 52 23 July 2007 s n 2045 I DPCX SOREM Italy near Roccapreturo Italy 53 3 July 2013 s n 2076 C FIZU Canada at Moosehead Lake Canada 54 5 May 2014 s n 2050 Hellenic Air Force 27 Oct 2022 s n 2060 I DPCN Linguaglossa Sicily Italy 55 Specifications CL 415 edit nbsp Three view diagramData from Viking 56 General characteristicsCrew 2 Capacity 6 137 L 1 350 imp gal 1 621 US gal waterbombing up to 18 paratroops up to 2 903 kg 6 400 lb of cargo Length 20 4 m 66 ft 11 in Wingspan 28 38 m 93 11 ft Height 9 01 m 29 55 ft Wing area 100 m2 1 080 sq ft Aspect ratio 8 03 Empty weight 13 608 kg 30 000 lb Gross weight 21 319 kg 47 000 lb Maximum After scooping Weight Max takeoff weight 19 890 kg 43 850 lb Firefighting Land Fuel capacity 4 650 kg 10 250 lb 5812 L 1535 US Gal 1278 imp Gal Cabin volume 35 6 m3 1 260 cu ft Powerplant 2 Pratt amp Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop 1 775 kW 2 380 hp each ISA 20 C Flat rated Propellers 4 bladed Hamilton Sundstrand 14SF 19 3 97 m 13 ft 0 in diameter Fully reversible feathering bladesPerformance Maximum speed 359 km h 223 mph 194 kn Max Cruise Cruise speed 333 km h 207 mph 180 kn Normal Cruise Stall speed 126 km h 78 mph 68 kn MLW Landing Configuration Ferry range 2 427 km 1 508 mi 1 310 nmi 278 km h 150 kn Long Range Cruise Endurance 3 hours at 200 nmi 370 km from base g limits 3 25 1 0 g Rate of climb 5 9 m s 1 170 ft min ISA MTOW Wing loading 212 5 kg m2 43 52 lb sq ft Maximum After scooping Takeoff ISA 783 m 2 569 ft land 814 m 2 671 ft water Landing ISA 674 m 2 211 ft land 665 m 2 182 ft water See also edit nbsp Aviation portal nbsp Canada portalRelated development Canadair CL 215Aircraft of comparable role configuration and era Beriev Be 12 Beriev Be 200 Harbin PS 5 ShinMaywa US 2References edit Amphibious aircraft Status report Bombardier Archived from the original on 8 November 2013 Super Scooper Helps U S Forest Service Get Handle On California Wildfires sacramento cbslocal com CBS 29 July 2015 Retrieved 24 July 2016 a b Viking Canadair 515 Viking Air Ltd Retrieved 17 June 2020 a b De Havilland launches DHC 515 Firefighter program Skies 31 March 2022 Retrieved 26 September 2022 Canadair CL 215 Flight International 21 November 1968 p 871 a b c d e f g h i Gerzanics Mike 21 August 2009 FLIGHT TEST Bombardier 415 The superscooper Flight International a b Goold Ian CL 215 Water Jet Flight International 31 December 1988 p 23 Bombardier 415 aerospace bombardier com Retrieved 13 April 2010 permanent dead link CL 415 launched on 180 day world tour Flight International 8 November 1995 Warwick Graham 20 September 1995 Canadair prepares CL 415 upgrades Flight International Bombardier plans improved CL 415 Flight International 28 February 1996 CL 215 leases Flight International 3 July 1996 CN 415 assembly Flight International 27 May 1998 Trimble Stephen 15 October 2015 Bombardier to close CL 415 completion center Flight International Bombardier Couldn t Afford CSeries Alone Admits CEO Alain Bellemare Radio Canada 20 February 2020 Jens Flottau Graham Warwick and Guy Norris 27 October 2017 Airbus Bombardier C Series Deal Has Broad Implications Aviation Week amp Space Technology Nils Christensen Helicopters Magazine 25 September 2008 a b Thatcher Chris 22 August 2018 Viking Air contemplates new CL 515 waterbomber variant Skies magazine Viking Air acquires assets of Bombardier Wings Magazine 5 May 2005 Archived from the original on 28 May 2014 Retrieved 5 May 2020 Viking Air Limited 23 February 2006 Viking Acquires Type Certificates for de Havilland Canada Heritage Aircraft from Bombardier Press release Bombardier Announces Order for Amphibious Aircraft Press release Bombardier 26 March 2014 Viking Air to buy type certificates for Bombardier amphibians Flight International 21 June 2016 Bombardier Announces a Definitive Agreement for the Sale of its Amphibious Aircraft Program to Viking Air Limited Press release Bombardier 20 June 2016 Viking Air Limited Acquires Worldwide CL 415 Waterbomber Program from Bombardier Press release Viking Air 20 June 2016 Archived from the original on 23 June 2016 Viking completes acquisition of Bombardier s amphibious aircraft programme Flight Global 3 October 2016 Viking expects CL 515 launch decision in early 2019 Flight Global 31 October 2018 TRU Simulation provides CL 415 FFS training Civil Aviation Training 12 March 2019 Archived from the original on 3 July 2019 Retrieved 3 July 2019 a b Viking to deliver six aircraft to the Republic of Indonesia s Ministry of Defence Airmed amp Rescue 21 June 2019 permanent dead link a b Indonesia to receive world s first CL 515 in seven aircraft deal with Longview Wings magazine 24 June 2019 De Havilland launches DHC 515 Firefighter program Skies Mag 31 March 2022 The Canadian Press 31 March 2022 De Havilland to manufacture line of firefighting planes in Calgary CBC News Firefighting Techniques and Technologies Bombardier Archived from the original on 17 May 2014 Bombardier 415 SuperScooper Amphibious Aircraft Newatlas com 5 March 2007 Retrieved 11 June 2017 a b Greek order marks launch of Canadair 415GR Flight International 13 January 1999 Canadair CL 415 Archived 5 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine baaa acro com Retrieved 29 July 2011 CL 415 MP Aircraft Viking s Aerial Firefighter aerialfirefighter vikingair com Archived from the original on 22 November 2018 Retrieved 21 November 2018 CL 415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter Longview Aviation Services www lvas ca Longview s CL 415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter makes inaugural flight Skies Mag Retrieved 18 March 2020 Aircraft manufacturer builds new firefighting planes on Vancouver Island www cbc ca 7 September 2023 Amy Laboda 12 October 2018 Viking Air Preps for Fire Season Updates Water Scooper Line AIN online In Service Aircraft Viking Ministers announce mammoth fire prevention plan aircraft upgrade Kathimerini 15 June 2021 Canadair vigilfuoco tv MMEA uses 198 000 litres of water to fight forest fire in Miri Malay Mail 16 August 2019 Retrieved 24 August 2019 https www moroccoworldnews com 2023 05 355397 morocco reinforces its firefighting fleet with 6th canadair water bomber Incendios Portugal vai comprar dois Canadair os bombeiros e a Forca Aerea discutem opcao Sao mais caros e menos ageis no combate ao fogo Jornal Expresso in European Portuguese 14 July 2022 Retrieved 14 July 2022 Crash of a Canadair CL 415 6B11 off La Ciotat 1 killed Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives baaa acro com Archived from the original on 29 January 2022 Retrieved 29 January 2022 Ranter Harro ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL 215 6B11 CL 415 I DPCN Esine Aviation Safety Network Retrieved 29 January 2022 Crash of a Canadair CL 415 off Les Salles sur Verdon 2 killed Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives baaa acro com Retrieved 29 January 2022 Ranter Harro ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL 215 6B11 CL 415 I DPCK Forte dei Marmi Aviation Safety Network Retrieved 29 January 2022 Ranter Harro ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL 215 6B11 CL 415 F ZBEO Calvi Aviation Safety Network Retrieved 29 January 2022 Ranter Harro ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL 215 6B11 CL 415 2055 Dilesos Aviation Safety Network Retrieved 29 January 2022 Ranter Harro ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL 215 6B11 CL 415 I DPCX Acciano Aviation Safety Network Retrieved 29 January 2022 Crash of a Canadair CL 415 in Moosehead Lake Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives baaa acro com Retrieved 29 January 2022 Ranter Harro ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL 215 6B11 CL 415 I DPCN Linguaglossa Sicily aviation safety net Retrieved 27 October 2022 Firefighting gt Specifications Viking Further reading editPickler Ron and Larry Milberry Canadair The First 50 Years Toronto CANAV Books 1995 ISBN 0 921022 07 7 Keijsper Gerard Water Bombers Required Air Forces Monthly London Key Publishing July 2008 Issue Belmonte de Galvez Manuel 18 December 2018 En pasada De aviones almas y llamas Amazinante Ediciones p http www amazinante com Marsaly Frederic and Samuel Pretat Bombardiers d eau Canadair Scoopers Editions Minimonde76 May 2012 ISBN 978 2 95418 180 6 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Canadair CL 415 Airliners net The Canadair CL 215 amp 415 Bombardier s homepage of the SuperScooper Canadair Waterbombers scooping water during the wildfires of 2022 in Gironde France at Beautiran on the Garonne river YouTube Beautiran Cambes on the Garonne river YouTube Cambes Gironde the Etang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet YouTube Etang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Canadair CL 415 amp oldid 1184178226, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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