Bombardier 415
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Model 415 Superscooper |
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 A Bombardier 415 operating out of Dryden, Ontario on fire dispatch, September 2007 |
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| Type | Amphibious water bomber |
| Manufacturer | Canadair) Bombardier Aerospace |
| Maiden flight | 1993 |
| Introduced | 1994 |
| Status | active service |
| Primary user | Canada |
| Number built | 60 |
| Unit cost | $26 million[citation needed] |
| Developed from | Canadair CL-215 |
The Bombardier 415 (formerly Canadair CL-415) is a Canadian amphibious aircraft purpose-built as a water bomber. It is the only 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."
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[edit] Design and development
In 1987, following market trends towards more efficient, powerful and reliable turboprop powerplants, Canadair undertook the task of retrofitting a number of CL-215 airframes (17) with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF engines, providing a 15% power increase over the original piston engines. 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 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 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 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. Water loads are scooped through two probes that measure 4 x 6 inches. The new 415GR has higher operating weights while the Bombardier 415 multi-role is available for use in a paramilitary search and rescue role and utility transport.
[edit] Operational history
The "415" first flew in December of 1993 with the first deliveries in November 1994. Orders from many countries soon followed. Derived from its predecessor's nickname, it acquired the name, "Super Scooper" in light of its greatly enhanced performance as a water bomber and fire suppressant weapon. In recognition of its abilities in the dangerous but necessary tasks of fire fighting, the aircraft was awarded the prestigious Batefuegos de oro (gold fire extinguisher). 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." [1]
Of the 67 built, seven have been removed from service due to accidents.[2]
[edit] Variants
- 415
- 415GR
- 415MR
- multi-role
[edit] Operators
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife (Quebec) 8 415s
- Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario) - 9 415s
- Croatian Air Force - four 415s; 2 on order
- Securite Civile - 13 415s
- Hellenic Air Force - 9 (8 415GRs and 1 415MP)
- Protezione Civile - 14 415s
- Unidad Militar Emergencias - 4 415s
- Los Angeles County Fire Department - leases 2 415s from the Province of Quebec for use during the wildfire season.
[edit] Specifications (415)
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 pilots
- Payload: 1,350 imp gal (6,140 L)
- Length: 65 ft 1 in (19.82 m)
- Wingspan: 93 ft 10 in (28.6 m)
- Height: 29 ft 6 in (8.98 m)
- Empty weight: 28,294 lb (12,834 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 43,758 lb (19,848 kg)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 234 mph (377 km/h)
- Range: 1,518 miles (2,443 km)
- Service ceiling 14,700 ft (4,500 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,378 ft/min (420 m/min)
[edit] See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
[edit] References
[edit] Notes
[edit] Bibliography
- Pickler, Ron and Milberry, Larry. Canadair: The First 50 Years. Toronto: CANAV Books, 1995. ISBN 0-921022-07-7.
[edit] External links
- Airliners.net The Canadair CL-215 & 415
- North Carolina Division of Forest Resources Aviation Resources
- Aero Flite
- Bombardier's homepage of the SuperScooper
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