Douglas A/B-26 Invader
CL415
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Douglas A/B-26 Invader CL415 |
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Bombardier 415 Amphibious water bomber Canadair 1993 1994 active service Canada 67 $26 million 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 flying boat. 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 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. 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. The "415" first flew on December 6, 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." Of the 67 built, seven have been removed from service due to
accidents. The aircraft requires 1340m of flyable area to descend from 15m
altitude, scoop 6,137 litres of water during a 12-second 410m-long run on the water, then climb back to 15m alititude. According
to the Bombardier website, the 415 takes "12 seconds, travelling at 130 km/h (70 knots) and 410 metres (1,350 feet),
to scoop up a 6,137-litre (1,621-US-gallon) water load... The advanced Bombardier 415 aircraft scoops water from sites that
are only two metres (6.5 feet) deep and 90 metres (300 feet) wide. When the water site is too small for a full pick-up, the
Bombardier 415 takes a partial load and returns to the fire. The Bombardier 415 amphibian doesn’t need a straight scooping
path. Since the aircraft is still in "flying" mode while scooping, pilots can easily manoeuvre around river bends or visible
obstacles in the water." General characteristics Performance Avionics
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