Canadair CL-415

{{Short description|Dedicated aerial fire fighting airplane}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}} {{Use Canadian English|date=November 2021}}  {{Infobox aircraft | name = CL-415 / DHC-515 | image = File:I-DPCN at work 03 (cropped).jpg | first_flight = 6 December 1993 | construction_date = {{ubil | CL-415: 1993–2015 | DHC-515: 2026–}} | introduction = 1994 | status = In service | aircraft_role = Firefighting aircraft | national_origin = Canada | manufacturers = Canadair Bombardier Aerospace De Havilland Canada | primary_user = Vigili del Fuoco (Italy)  | more_users = Sécurité Civile (France) Hellenic Air Force (Greece) Service Aérien Gouvernemental | number_built = 95<ref name="bombardier.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/aerospace/amphibious-aircraft/status-report.html |title=Amphibious aircraft – Status report – Bombardier |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108072536/http://www.bombardier.com/en/aerospace/amphibious-aircraft/status-report.html |archive-date=8 November 2013}}</ref> | developed_from = Canadair CL-215 | developed_into = }}

The '''Canadair CL-415''' ('''Super Scooper''',<ref name="Frawley 2003">{{cite book |last= Frawley |first= Gerard |title= The International Directory of Civil Aircraft, 2003–2004 |year= 2003 |publisher= Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd |location= Fyshwick, ACT, Australia |isbn=1-875671-58-7 |pages= 63 }}</ref> later '''Bombardier 415''') and the '''De Havilland Canadair DHC-515''' are a series of amphibious aircraft built originally by Canadair and subsequently by Bombardier 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.

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,<ref name=Viking515 /> since renamed the '''De Havilland Canadair 515''', and to be produced in both Victoria and Calgary by De Havilland Canada.<ref name=skiesmag31mar2022>{{Cite news |title=De Havilland launches DHC-515 Firefighter program |url=https://skiesmag.com/news/de-havilland-launches-dhc-515-firefighter-program/ |date= 31 March 2022 |work=Skies |language=en-US |access-date=26 September 2022}}</ref>

==Development== ===Origins=== Introduced during 1966, the CL-215 was the first aircraft specifically designed to be a water bomber.<ref name = "fi 871">[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1968/1968%20-%202735.html "Canadair CL-215."] ''Flight International'', 21 November 1968. p. 871.</ref> A total of 125 aircraft were constructed prior to the final CL-215 being delivered during May 1990.<ref name = "flightest 2009">{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-test-bombardier-415-the-superscooper/88562.article |title = FLIGHT TEST: Bombardier 415 – The superscooper |publisher = Flight International |first = Mike |last = Gerzanics |date = 21 August 2009}}</ref>

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''.<ref name = "goold 23">Goold, Ian [https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1988/1988%20-%203697.html CL-215 "Water Jet"]. ''Flight International'', 31 December 1988. p. 23.</ref> 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.<ref name = "goold 23"/> 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.<ref name = "flightest 2009"/>

Having conducted the relatively successful CL-215T programme, the company decided to develop the ''CL-415'', which would be a new production series. On 6 December 1993, the CL-415 conducted its maiden flight, while the first deliveries commenced during November 1994.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.aerospace.bombardier.com/en/aerospace/products/amphibious-aircraft/bombardier--415?docID=0901260d80008fff |title = Bombardier 415 |publisher = aerospace.bombardier.com |access-date = 13 April 2010 |archive-date = 16 February 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120216064344/http://www.aerospace.bombardier.com/en/aerospace/products/amphibious-aircraft/bombardier--415?docID=0901260d80008fff |url-status = dead }}</ref> One year later, a 180-day sales tour traversing 21 countries commenced using a CL-415 owned by the Quebec Government.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/cl-415-launched-on-180-day-world-tour/12031.article |title = CL-415 launched on 180-day world tour |publisher = Flight International |date = 8 November 1995}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/canadair-prepares-cl-415-upgrades/14512.article |title = Canadair prepares CL-415 upgrades |publisher = Flight International |first = Graham |last = Warwick |date = 20 September 1995}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/bombardier-plans-improved-cl-415/10253.article |title = Bombardier plans improved CL-415 |publisher = Flight International |date = 28 February 1996}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/cl-215-leases/7228.article |title = CL-215 leases |publisher = Flight International |date = 3 July 1996}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/cn-415-assembly/21264.article |title = CN-415 assembly |publisher = Flight International |date = 27 May 1998}}</ref> 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.<ref name = "flight closure2015">{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/bombardier-to-close-cl-415-completion-center/118538.article |title = Bombardier to close CL-415 completion center |publisher = Flight International |first = Stephen |last = Trimble |date = 15 October 2015}}</ref>

===Viking era=== 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1526990/bombardier-pdg-alain-bellemare-c-series-vente-airbus-alstom|title= Bombardier "Couldn't Afford" CSeries Alone, Admits CEO Alain Bellemare|date= 20 February 2020 |agency= Radio Canada}}</ref><ref name=AvWeek27Oct2017>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/airbusbombardier-c-series-deal-has-broad-implications |title= Airbus/Bombardier C Series Deal Has Broad Implications |date= 27 October 2017 |author= Jens Flottau, Graham Warwick and Guy Norris |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.helicoptersmagazine.com/operations/nils-christensen-1154 |title= Nils Christensen |date= 25 September 2008 |work= Helicopters Magazine}}</ref><ref name=skiesmag2018-08-22>{{cite news |url= https://www.skiesmag.com/news/viking-air-contemplates-new-cl-515-waterbomber-variant/ |title= Viking Air contemplates new CL-515 waterbomber variant |work= Skies magazine |first= Chris |last = Thatcher |date= 22 August 2018}}</ref> 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.<ref name=wingsmag>{{cite news |url= http://www.wingsmagazine.com/content/view/414/96/ |work= Wings Magazine |title= Viking Air acquires assets of Bombardier |date= 5 May 2005 |access-date= 5 May 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140528010123/http://www.wingsmagazine.com/content/view/414/96/ |archive-date= 28 May 2014 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/viking-acquires-type-certificates-de-havilland-canada-heritage-aircraft-from-bombardier-581493.htm |title= Viking Acquires Type Certificates for de Havilland Canada Heritage Aircraft from Bombardier |date= 23 February 2006 |author= Viking Air Limited |access-date= 5 May 2020 |archive-date= 16 November 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181116131730/http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/viking-acquires-type-certificates-de-havilland-canada-heritage-aircraft-from-bombardier-581493.htm |url-status= dead }}</ref> Its unit cost in 2014 was {{#expr:73.7/2round1}} million US dollars.<ref>{{cite press release |url = https://bombardier.com/en/media/news/bombardier-announces-order-amphibious-aircraft |title = Bombardier Announces Order for Amphibious Aircraft |publisher = Bombardier |date = 26 March 2014 |access-date = 17 June 2021 |archive-date = 30 October 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231030174332/https://bombardier.com/en/media/news/bombardier-announces-order-amphibious-aircraft |url-status = dead }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/viking-air-to-buy-type-certificates-for-bombardier-426528/ |title= Viking Air to buy type certificates for Bombardier amphibians |publisher= Flight International |date= 21 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.bombardier.com/en/media/newsList/details.bca-201600620-bombardier-announces-a-definitive-agreement-for-th.bombardiercom.html |title= Bombardier Announces a Definitive Agreement for the Sale of its Amphibious Aircraft Program to Viking Air Limited |date= 20 June 2016 |publisher= Bombardier}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.vikingair.com/viking-news/media-centre/viking-air-limited-acquires-worldwide-cl-415-waterbomber-program-bombardier |title= Viking Air Limited Acquires Worldwide CL-415 Waterbomber Program from Bombardier |publisher= Viking Air |date= 20 June 2016 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160623125024/http://www.vikingair.com/viking-news/media-centre/viking-air-limited-acquires-worldwide-cl-415-waterbomber-program-bombardier |archive-date= 23 June 2016 }}</ref> The acquisition was finalised on 3 October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/viking-completes-acquisition-of-bombardiers-amphibi-430038/ |title= Viking completes acquisition of Bombardier's amphibious aircraft programme |date= 3 October 2016 |work= Flight Global}}</ref> Shortly following the acquisition, Viking began work on the design of a modernized ''CL-515'' version.<ref name=skiesmag2018-08-22/><ref name=flightglobal2018-10-31>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/viking-expects-cl-515-launch-decision-in-early-2019-453102/ |title= Viking expects CL-515 launch decision in early 2019 |work= Flight Global |date= 31 October 2018}}</ref>

In May 2018 Bridger Aerospace of Bozeman, Montana became the launch customer for the CL-415EAF "Enhanced Aerial Firefighter" with a $204 million contract for up to six aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |title=Longview delivers first production Viking CL-415EAF "Enhanced Aerial Firefighter"|url=https://skiesmag.com/press-releases/longview-delivers-first-production-viking-cl-415eaf-enhanced-aerial-firefighter/ |date=15 April 2020 |website= Skies Mag }}</ref>

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 a full flight simulator was built and establish in Sault Ste Marie Ontario in May of 2013. Certified to FTD Level 6 by Transport Canada, the Mechtronix CL-415 FFT X has been acquired to allow provincial CL-415 pilots and engineers to train in Ontario on a simulator tailored to their needs rather than travelling outside the province, saving considerable time and costs for the Ontario Government.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-05-23 |title=OMNR unveils its new CL-415 FFT X SIM - Wings MagazineWings Magazine |url=https://www.wingsmagazine.com/omnr-unveils-its-new-cl-415-fft-x-sim-8545/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=www.wingsmagazine.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 21 June 2019, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense announced it was purchasing six CL-515s and one CL-415EAF for delivery in 2024.<ref name="Airmed & Rescue">{{cite news |url= https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/news/viking-deliver-six-aircraft-republic-indonesias-ministry-defence |title= Viking to deliver six aircraft to the Republic of Indonesia's Ministry of Defence |work= Airmed & Rescue |date= 21 June 2019 }}</ref><ref name="wingsmagazine.com">{{cite news |url= https://www.wingsmagazine.com/indonesia-to-receive-worlds-first-cl-515-in-seven-aircraft-deal-with-longview/ |title= Indonesia to receive world's first CL-515 in seven aircraft deal with Longview |work= Wings magazine |date= 24 June 2019}}</ref>

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, Canada, where the CL-215 and CL-415 are supported, with 22 letters of intent from European customers.<ref>{{Cite news |title=De Havilland launches DHC-515 Firefighter program |url=https://skiesmag.com/news/de-havilland-launches-dhc-515-firefighter-program/ |date= March 31, 2022 |website=Skies Mag }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=The Canadian Press |date=2022-03-31 |title=De Havilland to manufacture line of firefighting planes in Calgary |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/de-havilland-aircraft-calgary-canada-alberta-1.6404371}}</ref>

On 25 March 2024, Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau announced a deal to purchase $530-million worth of DHC-515s from De Havilland to help deal with the country's severe wildfire seasons.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.barrons.com/news/greece-to-buy-seven-canadian-water-bombers-for-wildfires-14809e6d |date= 25 March 2024 |title= Greece To Buy Seven Canadian Water Bombers For Wildfires |author= Agence France Presse |publisher= Barron's |access-date= 2025-02-19}}</ref>

In March 2026, De Havilland announced that assembly of the first DHC-515 had started in Calgary, with a view to first delivery in 2028.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hemmerdinger |first1=Jon |title=De Havilland starts assembling major components of first DHC-515 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/airframers/de-havilland-starts-assembling-major-components-of-first-dhc-515/166604.article |work=Flight Global |date=10 March 2026 |language=en}}</ref>

==Design== [[File:Hrvatski nebeski vatrogasci II.jpg|thumb|A Croatian Air Force CL-415 during fire season.]] [[File:Bombardier-415 (cropped).JPG|thumb|Italian Vigili del Fuoco refilling near Alghero, spilling excess water through underwing overflow ports]] {{further|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 power, these are located closer to the fuselage in comparison to the CL-215's arrangement.<ref name = "flightest 2009"/> 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.<ref name = "flightest 2009"/>

The CL-415 can scoop up to {{convert|6140|L|abbr=on}} 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.<ref name = "flightest 2009"/> 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.<ref name = "flightest 2009"/> 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.<ref name = "flightest 2009"/> The CL-515 can hold up to 7,000 litres (1,850 US gallons), and has a refill time of 14 seconds.<ref name=Viking515>{{cite web|url= https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/aircraft/viking-canadair-515|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200506170001/https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/aircraft/viking-canadair-515|url-status= dead|archive-date= 6 May 2020|title= Viking Canadair 515|publisher= Viking Air Ltd|access-date= 17 June 2020}}</ref>

The aircraft requires {{convert|1340|m|abbr=on}} of flyable length to descend from {{convert|15|m|abbr=on}} altitude, scoop {{convert|6137|L|abbr=on}} of water during a twelve-second {{convert|410|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} run on the water at {{convert|70|kn|lk=in}}, then climb back to {{convert|15|m|abbr=on}} altitude. The aircraft can also pick up partial loads in smaller areas, and can turn while scooping if necessary.<ref>{{cite web |title=Firefighting Techniques and Technologies |url=http://www.bombardier.com/en/aerospace/products/amphibious-aircraft/firefighting-techniques-and-technologies?docID=0901260d80009039 |publisher=Bombardier |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517203236/http://www.bombardier.com/en/aerospace/amphibious-aircraft/firefighting-techniques-and-technologies.html?docID=0901260d80009039 |archive-date=17 May 2014}}</ref> 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.<ref name = "flightest 2009"/> Bombardier have claimed that the type performs 6.9 water drops for every flight hour of the type.<ref name = "flightest 2009"/> 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== thumb|World operators of the CL-415 Derived from its predecessor's nickname, the aircraft is known as the "Superscooper"<ref>{{cite web |title=Bombardier Canadair 415 Superscooper - Aerospace Technology |url=https://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/bombardier_415/ |website=www.aerospace-technology.com |access-date=9 October 2024 |quote=Superscooper is a Canadian and US registered trademark.}}</ref> in light of its greatly enhanced performance as a water bomber and fire suppressor. In recognition of its abilities, the aircraft was awarded in 2006 the {{lang|es|Batefuegos de oro}} (gold fire extinguisher) by the {{lang|es|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."<ref>{{cite web |url = http://newatlas.com/go/6930/ |title = Bombardier 415 SuperScooper Amphibious Aircraft |date = 5 March 2007 |publisher = Newatlas.com |access-date = 11 June 2017}}</ref>

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.<ref name = "flight415gr 1999"/> Of the 95 built, seven had reportedly been removed from service as a result of several accidents by December 2007.<ref>[http://www.baaa-acro.com/Types%20d'avions/Canadair%20CL-415.htm "Canadair CL-415."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205033708/http://www.baaa-acro.com/Types%20d%27avions/Canadair%20CL-415.htm |date=5 December 2007 }} ''baaa-acro.com''. Retrieved: 29 July 2011.</ref>

==Variants==

;CL-415: The original model, 86 built.

;CL-415MP: Maritime patrol version, three built.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/aircraft/cl-415mp |title=CL-415 MP Aircraft {{!}} Viking's Aerial Firefighter |website=aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com |language=en |access-date=21 November 2018 |archive-date=22 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122005508/https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/aircraft/cl-415mp |url-status=dead }}</ref>

;CL-415GR: Improved version for the Hellenic Air Force, capable of higher operating weights.<ref name = "flight415gr 1999">{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/greek-order-marks-launch-of-canadair-415gr/24717.article |title = Greek order marks launch of Canadair 415GR |publisher = Flight International |date = 13 January 1999}}</ref> Six built.

;CL-415EAF: Enhanced Aerial Firefighter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lvas.ca/about-us|title=CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter | Longview Aviation Services|website=www.lvas.ca|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=21 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421124042/https://www.lvas.ca/about-us|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019, six CL-415EAF Superscooper aircraft were ordered by launch customer, Bridger Aerospace, due for delivery in April 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/longviews-cl-415eaf-enhanced-aerial-firefighter-makes-inaugural-flight/ |title=Longview's CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter makes inaugural flight |website=Skies Mag |language=en-US |access-date=18 March 2020}}</ref>

; De Havilland Canadair 515 (formerly CL-515): Updated version by Viking Air, later renamed as the DHC-515.<ref name=skiesmag31mar2022/> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/water-bombers-de-havilland-canada-1.6958748|title=Aircraft manufacturer builds new firefighting planes on Vancouver Island|website=www.cbc.ca|date=7 September 2023}}</ref>

== Operators == [[File:Hrvatski nebeski vatrogasci.jpg|thumb|Croatian Air Force CL-415 up close]] [[File:Greek-Carmel Fire04-12-2010-1 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Two Hellenic Air Force CL-415 refilling off the coast of Atlit to fight the 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire]] [[File:Pélican 32 Gérard JOYON PROT CANADAIR 2006.jpg|thumb|French Sécurité Civile CL-415 dropping water]]

In 2016/2019, there were 164 in-service CL-215 and CL-415s in 11 countries.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-12/viking-air-preps-fire-season-updates-water-scooper-line |title= Viking Air Preps for Fire Season, Updates Water Scooper Line |author= Amy Laboda |date= 12 October 2018 |work= AIN online}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ CL-215(T)/415 in service as of mid-2016 ! Country ! Current Fleet<ref>{{cite web |url= https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/firefighting/service-aircraft |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190124152343/https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/firefighting/service-aircraft |url-status= dead |archive-date= 24 January 2019 |title= In Service Aircraft |publisher= Viking }}</ref> !On order ! Operators |- | Canada || 64 |9 <ref>{{cite news |title=Demand for water bombers has 'skyrocketed' as Canada grapples with more intense wildfires |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/demand-water-bomber-planes-wildfires-manufacturing-1.7552600 |access-date=5 June 2025}}</ref>|| 2019 figures, all others 2016: * Air Spray - contractor for Government of Alberta Ministry of Forest and Parks Alberta Wildfire * Buffalo Airways * Conair Group * Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Ministry of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Fire Suppression Program * Service Aérien Gouvernemental (Quebec) * Longview Aviation * Province of Manitoba Ministry of Natural Resources and Northern Development Wildfire Suppression Services - via contract with Babcock Canada Inc. * 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 on order |- | European Union | 0 | 22 | 22 DHC-515s to be owned directly by the EU for its rescEU program and operated by requesting member nations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ros |first1=Miquel |title=De Havilland Canada recovers Canadair brand for new aircraft - AeroTime |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/de-havilland-canada-recovers-canadair-brand-for-new-firefighting-seaplane |access-date=8 October 2024 |work=www.aerotime.aero |date=7 October 2024}}</ref> |- | France || 12 | || Sécurité Civile |- | Greece || 17 |7|| Hellenic Air Force, 7 CL-415, 10 CL-215, 7 CL-515 on order<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ministers announce mammoth fire prevention plan, aircraft upgrade |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1162959/ministers-announce-mammoth-fire-prevention-plan-aircraft-upgrade/ |date=15 June 2021 |website=Kathimerini}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author=Συντακτική ομάδα ertnews.gr | title=Συνάντηση K. Μητσοτάκη με τον Τζάστιν Τριντό στο Μόντρεαλ | website=ertnews.gr | date=2024-03-24 | url=https://www.ertnews.gr/eidiseis/ellada/politiki/synantisi-k-mitsotaki-me-ton-tzastin-trinto-sto-montreal-ypegrafi-symfonia-apoktisis-7-pyrosvestikon-dhc-515/ | language=el | access-date=2024-03-25}}</ref> |-

| Indonesia || 0 |7|| On 21 June 2019, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense announced it was purchasing six CL-515s and one CL-415EAF for delivery in 2024.<ref name="Airmed & Rescue"/><ref name="wingsmagazine.com"/> |-

| Italy || 18 | || CL-415 for the ''Vigili del Fuoco'' ("Fire Brigades")<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.vigilfuoco.tv/specialita-qualifiche/canadair | title= Canadair – vigilfuoco.tv}}</ref> |- | Malaysia || 1 | || Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (firefighting)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/08/16/mmea-uses-198000-litres-of-water-to-fight-forest-fire-in-miri/1781472|title=MMEA uses 198,000 litres of water to fight forest fire in Miri|work =Malay Mail|date=16 August 2019|access-date=24 August 2019}}</ref> 1 aircraft (M71-01 retired in 2025).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/one-mmea-cl-415-retired/amp/|title=One MMEA CL-415 Retired}}</ref> |- | Morocco || 6<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2023/05/355397/morocco-reinforces-its-firefighting-fleet-with-6th-canadair-water-bomber | title=Morocco Reinforces its Firefighting Fleet with 6th Canadair Water Bomber | date=11 May 2023 }}</ref> |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 2029<ref>{{Cite web |title=Incêndios: Portugal vai comprar dois Canadair, os bombeiros e a Força Aérea discutem opção. São mais caros e menos ágeis no combate ao fogo |url=https://expresso.pt/sociedade/2022-07-14-Incendios-Portugal-vai-comprar-dois-Canadair-os-bombeiros-e-a-Forca-Aerea-discutem-opcao.-Sao-mais-caros-e-menos-ageis-no-combate-ao-fogo-a335c2c8 |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=Jornal Expresso |date=14 July 2022 |language=pt-PT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministro da Defesa preside à assinatura de contrato para aquisição de aviões Canadair |url=https://www.portugal.gov.pt/pt/gc24/comunicacao/comunicado?i=ministro-da-defesa-preside-a-assinatura-de-contrato-para-aquisicao-de-avioes-canadair |access-date=2024-07-18 |website=www.portugal.gov.pt}}</ref> |- | Spain || 18 | || Spanish Air and Space Force, operates 14 CL-215 and 4 CL-415s, 43rd Group of the Air Force

|- | United States || 6 | ||  *Bridger Aerospace<ref name="Bridger Aerospace">{{cite web |title=Bridger Aerospace |url=https://bridgeraerospace.com/ |website=Bridger Aerospace |access-date=7 June 2025}}</ref> |-

! Total !! 155 !55!! |- |}

== Accidents ==

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).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crash of a Canadair CL-415-6B11 off La Ciotat: 1 killed {{!}} Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-canadair-cl-415-6b11-la-ciotat-1-killed|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-29|website=baaa-acro.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129220613/https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-canadair-cl-415-6b11-la-ciotat-1-killed |archive-date=29 January 2022 }}</ref> * 16 August 2003 – s/n 2008 – I-DPCN – SOREM Italy, near Esine (Italy).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) I-DPCN Esine|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20030816-1|access-date=2022-01-29|website=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref> * 8 March 2004 – s/n 2018 – F-ZBEZ/Pelican 41 – Sécurité Civile France, at Sainte Croix Lake (France).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crash of a Canadair CL-415 off Les Salles-sur-Verdon: 2 killed {{!}} Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|url=https://baaa-acro.com/index.php/crash/crash-canadair-cl-415-les-salles-sur-verdon-2-killed|access-date=2022-01-29|website=baaa-acro.com}}</ref> * 18 March 2005 – s/n 2051 – I-DPCK – SOREM Italy, near Seravezza (Italy).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) I-DPCK Forte dei Marmi|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20050318-0|access-date=2022-01-29|website=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref> * 1 August 2005 – s/n 2011 – F-ZBEO/Pelican 36 – Sécurité Civile France, near Pietra Maggiore - Corsica (France).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) F-ZBEO Calvi|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20050801-0|access-date=2022-01-29|website=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref> * 25 April 2006 – s/n 2039 – Hellenic Air Force. * 23 July 2007 – s/n 2055 (CL-415MP) – Hellenic Air Force, near Styra (Greece).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) 2055 Dilesos|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20070723-0|access-date=2022-01-29|website=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref> * 23 July 2007 – s/n 2045 – I-DPCX – SOREM Italy, near Roccapreturo (Italy).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranter|first=Harro|title=ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) I-DPCX Acciano|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20070723-1|access-date=2022-01-29|website=Aviation Safety Network}}</ref> * 3 July 2013 – s/n 2076 – C-FIZU – Canada, at Moosehead Lake (Canada).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crash of a Canadair CL-415 in Moosehead Lake {{!}} Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives|url=https://www.baaa-acro.com/crash/crash-canadair-cl-415-moosehead-lake|access-date=2022-01-29|website=baaa-acro.com}}</ref> * 5 May 2014 – s/n 2050 – Hellenic Air Force. * 27 Oct 2022 – s/n 2060 – I-DPCN – Linguaglossa, Sicily, Italy <ref>{{Cite web |last=Ranter |first=Harro |title=ASN Aircraft accident Canadair CL-215-6B11 (CL-415) I-DPCN Linguaglossa, Sicily |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20221027-0 |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=aviation-safety.net}}</ref>

==Specifications (CL-415)== thumb|upright=1.6|Three-view diagram {{Aircraft specs | ref = Viking<ref>{{cite web |url= https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/firefighting/specifications |title= Firefighting > Specifications |publisher= Viking |access-date= 24 January 2019 |archive-date= 5 August 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200805124912/https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/firefighting/specifications |url-status= dead }}</ref> | prime units? = met | crew = 2 | capacity = {{convert|6137|L|abbr=on}} (waterbombing), up to 18 paratroops, up to {{convert|2903|kg|abbr=on}} of cargo | length m = 20.4 | span ft = 93.11 | height ft = 29.55 | wing area sqft = 1080 | aspect ratio = {{#expr:93.11/(1080/93.11)round2}} | empty weight lb = 30,000 | gross weight lb = 47,000 | gross weight note = Maximum After-scooping Weight | max takeoff weight lb = 43,850 | max takeoff weight note = Firefighting, Land | fuel capacity = {{convert|4650|kg|abbr=on}} 5812 L ( 1535 US Gal; 1278 imp Gal) | more general = * '''Cabin volume:''' {{convert|35.6|m3|abbr=on}} | eng1 number = 2 | eng1 name = Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF | eng1 type = turboprop | eng1 kw = 1,775 | eng1 note = ISA+20 °C Flat rated | prop blade number = 4 | prop name = Hamilton Sundstrand 14SF-19 | prop dia m = 3.97 | prop dia note = Fully reversible, feathering blades | max speed kmh = 359 | never exceed speed kts = | max speed note = Max Cruise | cruise speed kmh = 333 | cruise speed note = Normal Cruise | stall speed kmh = 126 | stall speed note = MLW, Landing Configuration | ferry range km = 2427 | ferry range note = {{convert|278|km/h|kn|abbr=on}} Long Range Cruise | endurance = 3 hours at {{cvt|200|nmi|km|lk=in}} from base | g limits = +3.25−1.0 g | climb rate ftmin = 1,170 | climb rate note = (ISA, MTOW) | wing loading lb/sqft = {{#expr:47000/1080round2}} | wing loading note = Maximum After-scooping | more performance = * '''Takeoff (ISA):''' {{convert|783|m|abbr=on}} (land), {{convert|814|m|abbr=on}} (water) * '''Landing (ISA):''' {{convert|674|m|abbr=on}} (land), {{convert|665|m|abbr=on}} (water) | avionics = * Honeywell EDZ-605 (CL-415)<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/bombardier_415/|title = Bombardier Canadair 415 Superscooper|website = Airport Technology}}</ref> * Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion (CL-415EAF, older CL-415 {{Tooltip|AUP|avionics upgrade program}})<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://canadiandefencereview.com/longview-delivers-first-production-viking-cl-415eaf-enhanced-aerial-firefighter-to-bridger-aerospace-group/|title = Longview Delivers First Production Viking CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” to Bridger Aerospace Group|website = Canadian Defence Review|date = 17 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://dehavilland.com/aftermarket-support/de-havilland-canada-announces-successful-first-flight-of-cl-415-with-collins-pro-line-fusion-avionics-upgrade-program/|title = De Havilland Canada Announces Successful First Flight of CL-415 with Collins Pro Line Fusion Avionics Upgrade Program|website = De Havilland Canada|date = 1 June 2022}}</ref> * Universal InSight (newer CL-415 AUP, DHC-515)<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://universalavionics.com/docs/default-source/ua/resources/products/flight-displays/ua_insight_brochure_2024_spreads.pdf|title = InSight Flight Display System|website = Universal Avionics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://dehavilland.com/aircraft-sales/de-havilland-canada-advances-cl-415-modernization-with-transport-canada-certification/|title = De Havilland Canada Advances CL-415 Modernization with Transport Canada Certification|website = De Havilland Canada|date = 25 March 2026}}</ref> }}

==See also== {{Portal|Aviation|Canada}} {{Aircontent |related= * Canadair CL-215

|similar aircraft= * Beriev Be-12 * Beriev Be-200 * Harbin PS-5 * ShinMaywa US-2 |lists= |see also= }}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==Further reading== * 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. * {{cite book |title=En pasada. De aviones, almas y llamas|last=Belmonte de Gálvez|first=Manuel|publisher=Amazinante Ediciones|page=http://www.amazinante.com/|date=18 December 2018}} * Marsaly, Frederic and Samuel Pretat. [http://www.editions-minimonde76.com/en/ "Bombardiers d'eau/ Canadair Scoopers."] ''Editions Minimonde76,'' May 2012, {{ISBN|978-2-95418-180-6}}.

==External links== {{Commons category|Canadair CL-415}} * [http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=119 Airliners.net The Canadair CL-215 & 415] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20060628053419/http://www.superscooper.com/ Bombardier's homepage of the SuperScooper] * Canadair Waterbombers scooping water during the wildfires of 2022 in Gironde, France at ** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_iQvc_hkGo Beautiran on the Garonne river] (YouTube) - Beautiran ** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHRrQnmasBg Cambes on the Garonne river] (YouTube) - Cambes, Gironde ** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52aCbw5q9dg the Étang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet] (YouTube) - Étang de Cazaux et de Sanguinet

{{De Havilland Canada aircraft}} {{Bombardier aircraft}} {{Canadair aircraft}} {{Aircraft manufactured in Canada}} {{Spanish liaison aircraft}}

415 Category:1990s Canadian special-purpose aircraft Category:Flying boats Category:Amphibious aircraft Category:High-wing aircraft Category:Aerial firefighting aircraft Category:Aircraft first flown in 1993 Category:Twin-turboprop tractor aircraft Category:De Havilland Canada aircraft Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear Category:Cruciform tail aircraft