ICAO CL2T

Bombardier 415

Bombardier

TravelerPulse profile

Amphibious aerial firefighter purpose-built for water bombing.

First flight

1993

Category

Amphibious turboprop

Range

2,426 km

Engines

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprops

Status

In production

The Bombardier 415, also known as the Superscooper, is a purpose-built amphibious aircraft designed primarily for aerial firefighting. Developed as a successor to the Canadair CL-215, it entered service in 1994 and remains one of the most capable water bombers in the world. It is manufactured by De Havilland Canada (formerly Bombardier Aerospace). The aircraft is capable of scooping up to 6,137 litres of water from lakes or rivers in approximately 12 seconds while skimming the surface at low speed, then delivering it precisely to a fire. It can also be loaded with fire retardant on the ground. Its twin turboprop engines and amphibious hull allow operations from both water and conventional runways. The 415 is operated predominantly by government agencies and civil protection organizations around the world, particularly in fire-prone regions of Europe and North America. It has proven highly effective in combating wildfires in countries such as France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Canada.

Notable operators

Major operators include the Government of France (Sécurité Civile), Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Quebec, and the United States Forest Service.

Notable facts

›Can scoop 6,137 litres of water in approximately 12 seconds from a water body.
›Successor to the piston-powered Canadair CL-215, featuring turboprop engines for improved performance.
›Also marketed as the CL-415 Superscooper.
›The aircraft can drop water mixed with foam concentrates for enhanced firefighting effectiveness.
›Bombardier sold the type certificate to Viking Air, later rebranded as De Havilland Canada.