As wildfires rage on in Los Angeles, the world is reminded once again of the devastating power of nature and the crucial role that aerial firefighting plays in battling these infernos. While LA employs its own fleet of firefighting aircraft such as modified C-130 Hercules Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk or the Leonardo AW138, Canada’s Canadair/Bombardier takes the spotlight as being the most famous firefighting aircraft of them all. The family of water bombers—the CL-215, 415, and the newest CL-515—stand out globally as some of the most effective tools in combating such disasters.
The Origins: Canadair CL-215
The story begins in the 1960s with the Canadair CL-215, the first purpose-built amphibious firefighting aircraft. This revolutionary design set the standard for water bombers, with its ability to scoop water directly from lakes and rivers and drop it on wildfires. Powered by twin radial engines, the CL-215 could carry up to 5,345 liters (1,410 gallons) of water, making it a game-changer in wildfire suppression.Despite its groundbreaking design, the CL-215 had limitations, such as its older engine technology and higher maintenance demands. Because the aircraft was based on the design of the Canadian Vickers which was itself a variant of Consolidated PBY Catalina, the engines were older radial models that developed 2100hp. The original concept was for a twin-engined floatplane transport, that was altered into a “firefighter” as a result of a request by forestry officials in the Quebec Service Aérien (Quebec Government Air Service) for a more effective way of delivering water to forest fires. However, its success laid the foundation for future advancements in aerial firefighting. A total of 125 aircraft were built prior to the final CL-215 being delivered during May 1990.
An Canadair CL-215 (Scooper) drops water during Aerial Firefighting Demo at the 2019 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh July 24, 2019, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. USDA Photo by Preston Keres. Original public domain image.
In the 1990s, Bombardier Aerospace introduced the CL-415, often called the “Super Scooper.” Building on the CL-215’s design, the 415 brought numerous improvements, including modern turboprop engines, enhanced water capacity (6,140 liters or 1,621 gallons), and better performance in hot and high-altitude conditions. These updates made the 415 faster, more reliable, and even more effective in challenging environments.
The CL-415’s amphibious capabilities allowed it to scoop water from remote lakes and rivers in as little as 12 seconds, a feature that remains unmatched by most other firefighting aircraft. Its bright yellow and red paint scheme became iconic, symbolizing hope during wildfire crises around the world.
During December 2018, a full-flight CL-415 simulator, capable of simulating water scoop and bombing operations, received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification.
Wikimedia Commons: Salamanca-Matacan AFB Open Day. Spanish Air Force unit based at Madrid-Torrejon AFB (LETO). 43 group of the EA
The Future: Viking Air CL-515
Although Bombardier ceased production of the 415 in 2015, Viking Air acquired the type certificate and introduced the next generation: the CL-515 “First Responder.” Designed for the 21st century, the CL-515 features advanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and multi-role capabilities, including search and rescue and disaster response. With its expanded water capacity and greater efficiency, the CL-515 is poised to carry on the legacy of its predecessors while meeting modern firefighting demands.
As of now this are the countries that use it for firefighting:
Europe
- France: Operates 12 Bombardier 415 aircraft.
- Italy: Has a fleet of 19 CL-415 aircraft for firefighting.
- Spain: Uses 14 CL-215/415 aircraft.
- Greece: Operates 15 CL-215s and CL-415s.
- Portugal: Operates 6 CL-215/415 aircraft.
- Croatia: Has a fleet of 6 CL-415s.
North America
- Canada: As the birthplace of these aircraft, Canada operates approximately 50 CL-215 and CL-415 aircraft across various provinces, including Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.
- United States: Some states, such as California, lease or operate Bombardier 415s during wildfire seasons.
South America
- Argentina: Operates 2 CL-215s for firefighting.
Asia
- Indonesia: Placed an order for 7 CL-515 aircraft, including 2 multi-role versions, as of 2020.
Australia
- Australia: Leases CL-415s during wildfire seasons, particularly from Canada and Europe, but does not maintain its own permanent fleet.
In total, there are around 170 Canadair CL-215/415 aircraft in operation globally. The CL-515, being newer, is expected to gradually join the fleets of firefighting nations.
How They Work
All three aircraft operate with a simple but effective strategy: scoop, fly, and drop. Whether it’s the CL-215, 415, or 515, the process involves skimming the surface of a water source, filling the tanks, and releasing the load over fire zones. These aircraft are designed to work in rugged conditions, handling steep climbs and tight turns to reach even the most inaccessible wildfires.
To scoop water, the aircraft uses hydraulically operated scoops located aft of the hull step. As the aircraft skims the surface of a water body at a depth of at least 1.4 meters, the scoops submerge into the water and fill the tanks with a high-flow rate. This process can take as little as 12 seconds, depending on the aircraft’s speed and the water’s depth. The scoops allow the aircraft to fill its tanks efficiently without needing to land, making them highly effective in areas with limited access. The ability to quickly collect and release water makes these aircraft invaluable for large-scale firefighting operations.
A Canadair CL-415 operated by Conair’s U.S. division, Aero-Flite, drops water over a fire near Lake Chelan in Washington State. U.S. Forest Service Photo
A Global Icon
What started as a Canadian innovation has become a global firefighting solution. From the forests of British Columbia to the Mediterranean coasts of Europe and the wildlands of Australia, the CL-215, 415, and 515 have earned their place in firefighting fleets worldwide. Their reliability, efficiency, and adaptability have made them legends in the industry.
The firefighting variant of the aircraft features seating for eight crew members on inward-facing, foldable seats in the forward cabin. Four water tanks in the main fuselage hold a total of 6,137 liters. These tanks can be filled on the ground via hose adaptors or in-flight using two hydraulically operated scoops located aft of the hull step. Skimming over 1,340m of water at a depth of at least 1.4m, the tanks can fill in just 12 seconds. In addition to water, the aircraft has foam concentrate containers with a total capacity of 680 liters, stored beneath the bench seats. These allow for a water-foam mixture to be deployed for more effective firefighting.
During firefighting missions, the Bombardier Canadair 415 can stay on station for up to three hours, typically dropping nine tank loads of water from a source 10km away. A foam concentrate/water mixing system is integrated into the fuselage, with chemical tanks for foam solutions stored under the crew seats. Additionally, a spray kit can be attached to the tanks for dispersing pesticides, defoliants, or oil dispersants over large areas.
Technical considerations
It features a crew of two pilots and additional seating for one jump seat, along with up to eight crew members seated on inward-facing bench seats. The aircraft measures 19.82 meters in length, with a wingspan of 28.6 meters and a height of 8.9 meters. Its wing area spans 100 square meters. The empty weight is 12,880 kilograms, while its maximum takeoff weight is 19,890 kilograms on land and 17,170 kilograms on water.
The CL-415 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines, each delivering 2,380 horsepower. This allows the aircraft to reach a maximum speed of 359 km/h and cruise at 333 km/h. It has an operational range of 2,443 kilometers, a service ceiling of 4,500 meters, and a rate of climb of 8.1 meters per second, making it versatile for various firefighting missions.
This combination of efficiency, power, and versatility makes the Canadair CL-415 a globally recognized asset in wildfire suppression and emergency response.
The Canadair CL-215, Bombardier 415, and Viking Air CL-515 represent the evolution of firefighting aircraft, each building on the strengths of its predecessor to meet the ever-growing challenges of wildfire management. Together, they stand as a testament to Canadian innovation and a global commitment to protecting lives, property, and natural landscapes. The next time you see one of these winged heroes soaring overhead, remember the decades of engineering and bravery that have made them indispensable in the fight against wildfires.