Description:
The Bombardier 415 multi-role amphibious aircraft receives its heritage from the Canadair CL-215 developed in the 1960s. More than 142 CL-215s have been sold worldwide. Bombardier 415 aircraft's design responds to a high wing, amphibian, turboprop airplane intended for firefighting. Bombardier launched this program in 1991 with the aim to replace aging CL-215 aircraft also manufactured by Bombardier. The maiden flight was conducted in 1993 and first airworthiness certifications during 1994 with the first delivery to an end customer in November 1994.
The primary role of this aircraft is the firefighting role carrying water and/or foam. Moreover, Bombardier claims the 415 is suitable for other missions such as maritime surveillance, coastal patrol, search and rescue, utility transport and resource protection. In the firefighting configuration, the Bombardier 415 can do an initial attack on forest fires dropping large amounts of fire suppressing foam. It has four compartments four doors water tank storage system that hold approximately 6,137 liters or 1,621 gallons of water/foam mixture. It can refill its tanks by skimming the surface of any suitable body of water.
Externally, the 415 is very similar to its predecessor the CL-215. Although, internally the aircraft is quite different incorporating air conditioned glass cockpit, Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines rated at 2,380-shp each and new flight controls. Maintenance results easier than its predecessor. In addition, the maximum take-off weight is greater than CL-215's one and the speed has been increased yielding enhanced performance. As of 2001, The world's 415 fleet had logged 50,000 flight hours totaling 190,000 water/foam drops.
To date, Bombardier has received orders for 56 aircraft from France, Greece, Italy, Croatia and Canada.
On 13 December 1996, Croatia placed an order for one Canadair (now Bombardier) CL-415 amphibious aircraft valued at $22 million to be delivered in January 1997. On 30 January 1998, Italy placed an order for two Canadair CL-415 and took options on additional four aircraft. CL-415 deliveries were scheduled for 1998. On 2 April 1998, Ontario placed an order for nine CL-415 amphibious aircraft valued at $225 million. Aircraft deliveries occurred during 1998. On 14 July 1998, Italy ordered two more CL-415 and took options on another two aircraft.
On 11 November 1998, Croatia ordered one CL-415 plus another as option to be delivered in 1999. On 7 January 1999, the Hellenic Ministry of Defense placed an order for 10 CL-415GR amphibious aircraft worth $250 million. Aircraft deliveries were set to begin in 1999 and continue through 2001. On 28 September 1999, Italy placed a further order for three CL-415 aircraft to be delivered during 2000. On 7 February 2003, Croatia ordered another CL-415 water bomber plus one additional aircraft on option.
On 9 February 2004, the government of Italy placed an order for three Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft along with a Bombardier 415MP multipurpose conversion kit. On 19 May 2005, Italy placed an order for one more Bombardier 415.
On 17 January 2006, France's Securite Civile placed an order for one Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft. With this new order France's Bombardier 415 fleet reached 11 aircraft.
On February 8, 2006 the Italian Government exercised an option on 15 upgrade kits from Bombardier Aerospace for its Bombardier 415 aircraft to expand their capabilities while improving crew comfort and safety. The upgrade kit package derived from the Bombardier 415MP multipurpose aircraft and included autopilot, nose radar, flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. Italy already installed an upgrade kit on a Bombardier 415 purchased in 2005.
On 27 July 2006, the government of Spain placed an order for one Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft under a contract valued at $30.6 million including spare parts, training and technical support. The aircraft delivery was slated to occur immediately in support of 2006 fire season.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 2, Passengers 9
Dimensions: Height 9.0 m, Length 19.8 m, Wingspan 28.6 m
Weights: Max Weight 21,319 kg (47,000 lb), Min Weight 12,882 kg (28,399 lb), Payload 6,123 kg (13,499 lb)
Performance: Cruise Speed 104 mps (374 kph), Max Range 2,427 km (1,310 nm)
Canada / 21 
Croatia / 6 
France / 14 
Greece / 10 
Italy / 19 
Malaysia / 2 
Spain / 3