Viking Air CL-415 Super Scooper

Summary

Description

Development of the CL-415 began in the early 1990s, shortly after the success of the CL-215T retrofit programme demonstrated a viable demand for a turboprop-powered model of the original CL-215. The CL-215 was the first aircraft specifically designed to be a water bomber, with 125 aircraft constructed before final delivery in May 1990. In 1987, Canadair retrofitted 17 CL-215 airframes with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF engines, designated CL-215T, which provided a 15 percent power increase and enhanced reliability. The CL-215T also featured powered flight controls, air conditioning, and upgraded electrical and avionics systems, along with aerodynamic additions to the wings and empennage. Building on this, the company developed the CL-415 as a new production series; it conducted its maiden flight on 6 December 1993, with first deliveries commencing in November 1994. By July 1996, 37 aircraft were reportedly in service with operators in Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. Starting in 1998, assembly took place at Bombardier Aerospace’s facility near North Bay, Ontario. Production ceased in October 2015, with a total of ninety-five CL-415s completed. In October 2016, Viking Air acquired the CL-415 programme from Bombardier and began designing a modernized CL-515 version, later renamed the De Havilland Canadair 515, with production planned in both Victoria and Calgary by De Havilland Canada.

The CL-415 boasts an updated cockpit, aerodynamic enhancements, and a refined water-release system. Key improvements over the CL-215 include increased operating weight and speed. The repositioning of its more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines closer to the fuselage, each generating 1,775 kW, necessitated the addition of an inverted fixed leading-edge slat forward of the righthand horizontal stabilizer to counteract any reduction in lateral stability. Winglets were also incorporated to improve directional stability. Its airframe is built for reliability and longevity, using corrosion-resistant materials like treated aluminum, to facilitate operations in salt water. The aircraft can scoop up to 6,140 L of water, and can refill its tanks in-flight within 12 seconds while skimming a water surface 410 meters long at 70 knots.

The CL-415 is primarily designed for aerial firefighting, carrying up to 6,140 L of water. This water can be mixed with chemical foam to enhance its fire suppression capabilities. The aircraft stores this suppressant in large tanks located mostly beneath the cabin floor within the hull, with a header tank above this level on either side of the fuselage. Beyond firefighting, the CL-415 multi-role model is adaptable for paramilitary search and rescue operations and utility transport, able to carry up to 18 paratroops or 2,903 kg of cargo. Derived from its predecessor's nickname, the CL-415 is known as the "Superscooper" due to its enhanced capabilities as a water bomber. The aircraft's effectiveness in combating wildfires led to it receiving the Batefuegos de oro (gold fire extinguisher) award in 2006 in Spain. Of the 95 CL-415s built, several have been involved in accidents, resulting in their removal from service.

Main Variants:

• CL-415: This is the original model of the series, with 86 aircraft built.

• CL-415MP: A maritime patrol version, featuring modifications suited for coastal surveillance and search and rescue operations, with only three units manufactured.

• CL-415GR: An improved version designed for the Hellenic Air Force, enhancing operational capabilities through higher operating weights, with six aircraft produced.

• CL-415EAF: Known as the Enhanced Aerial Firefighter, this is an upgraded version of the CL-415 with improvements to enhance its firefighting capabilities.

• De Havilland Canadair 515: This is an updated version by Viking Air (later De Havilland Canada), featuring modernizations and improvements over previous models.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	Greece	1

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

Canada • Greece

Photo of CL-415 Super Scooper