Securite Civile Orders One More Bombardier 415 Amphibious Aircraft

Released on Friday, December 22, 2006

Bombardier Aerospace announced today that France's Sécurité Civile has placed a firm order for another Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft. This order brings the French fleet to twelve Bombardier 415 aircraft.

"France received its first CL-215 amphibian aircraft back in 1969 and, in 1994, was the launch customer for the Bombardier 415. Almost forty years later, France continues to rely on the capabilities of the "Canadair" as the backbone of its firefighting missions," said Michel Bourgeois, President, Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft. "With an enviable proven track record in firefighting worldwide, the Bombardier 415 aircraft is the reference in the industry. We continue to work closely with the Sécurité Civile and other European operators to further enhance the aircraft's unique capabilities."

Since delivery of the first Bombardier 415 aircraft in 1994, Bombardier Aerospace has delivered 64 Bombardier 415 aircraft to firefighting agencies in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Ontario, Québec and Spain, with 42 aircraft in operation in the Mediterranean region. Spain operates 14 CL-215T turboprop aircraft and has also acquired a Bombardier 415 last July. In addition, 26 CL-215 piston aircraft remain in service fighting fires in Europe.

The Bombardier 415 has a maximum speed of 359 km/h (224 mph) and in an average mission of 11 kilometres (six nautical miles) distance from water to fire, it can complete nine drops within an hour, delivering 55,233 litres (14,589 U.S. gallons) of fire suppressant.

The aircraft is also being offered in a new multi-purpose version, the Bombardier 415MP, for search and rescue, maritime patrol and environmental protection. Currently, two Greek Bombardier 415 aircraft are equipped with the MP configuration.