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| Model 415 Superscooper |
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| Role | Amphibious water bomber |
| Manufacturer | Canadair) Bombardier Aerospace |
| First flight | 1993 |
| Introduced | 1994 |
| Status | active service |
| Primary user | Canada |
| Number built | 67[1] |
| Unit cost | $26 millioncitation 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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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.
Operational history
The "415" first flew on December 6, 1993 with the first deliveries in November 1994.[2] 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." [3]
Of the 67 built, seven have been removed from service due to accidents.[4]
There are serious limitations to their effectiveness, however. They require a long expanse of clear water to scoop safely and therefore are unsuitable for operating in any area without large lakes or ocean nearby.
Variants
- 415
- 415GR
- 415MR
- multi-role
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[6]
- Securite Civile - 12 415s[7]
- Hellenic Air Force - 8 (7 415GRs and 1 415MP)[8]
- Protezione Civile - 15 415s; 3 on order[9]
- Spanish Air Force - 2 415s; 2 on order[10]
- Unidad Militar Emergencias - 2 415s on order[10]
- Los Angeles County Fire Department - leases 2 415s from the Province of Quebec for use during the wildfire season.
- Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency - Ordered 2 415MP.[1]
Specifications (415)
Data from Bombardier Aerospace Website
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 pilots
- Additional Seating: 1 on jump seat, 8 on bench seats
- Payload: 6,400lb (2,900 kg)
- Length: 65 ft (19.8 m)
- Wingspan: 93 ft 11 in (28.6 m)
- Height: 29 ft 3 in (8.9 m)
- Wing area: 1,080 sq ft (100 sq m)
- Empty weight: 28,400 lb (12,880 kg
- Maximum fuel weight: 10,250 lb (4650 kg)
- Maximum takeoff weight (from land, disposable load): 43,850 lb (19,890 kg)
- Maximum takeoff weight (from land, non-disposable load): 41,000 lb (18,600 kg)
- Maximum takeoff weight (from water): 37,850 lb (17,170 kg)
- Maximum weight after scooping: 47,000 lb (21,360 kg)
- Maximum landing weight: 37,000 lb (16,780 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop, takeoff power: 2,380 shp (1,775 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 223 mph (359 km/h (194 kt))
- Cruise speed: 207 mph (333 km/h (180 kt))
- Stall speed: 78 mph (126 km/h (68 kt))
- Range: 1,518 miles (2,443 km)
- Service ceiling 14,700 ft (4,500 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,600 ft/min (8.1 m/s)
- Takeoff distance (ISA, land): 2,750 ft (840 m)
- Takeoff distance (ISA, water): 2,670 ft (815 m)
- Landing distance (ISA, land): 2,210 ft (675 m)
- Landing distance (ISA, water): 2,180 ft (665 m)
- Minimum water depth: 6 ft (1.8 m)
Avionics
- Honeywell Primus 2 Radio Navigation
- RNZ-850 with ADF, VOR/ILS/Marker Beacon and DME
- Litef/Honeywell LCR93, Attitude and Heading Reference System
- Honeywell EDZ-605 EFIS with Dual EADI and EHSI
- Radio Altimeter (Honeywell AA-300)
- Parker-Gull Three-tube Active Matrix LCD Integrated Instrument Display System
- Dual CIC/Aerosonics Air Data Computers
- Dorne & Margolin ELT-8 Emergency Beacon
See also
Related development
Comparable aircraft
References
Notes
- ^ a b Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Buys Two Bombardier 415 Multipurpose Aircraft
- ^ Bombardier - Bombardier 415
- ^ Bombardier 415 SuperScooper Amphibious Aircraft
- ^ Canadair CL-415
- ^ Croatia
- ^ Keijsper 2008, pp. 44.
- ^ Keijsper 2008, pp. 40.
- ^ Keijsper 2008, pp. 41.
- ^ Keijsper 2008, pp. 42.
- ^ a b Keijsper 2008, pp. 43.
Bibliography
- Pickler, Ron and Milberry, Larry. 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.
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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