Amphibious
Sukhoi/Beriev Be-103 “Snipe”
ICAO: B103
Overview
The Bombardier 415 is a purpose-built firefighting aircraft introduced in the 1990s. Designed to scoop water from lakes and drop it on wildfires, it serves government agencies worldwide. The aircraft continues the Canadair water bomber lineage.
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF
- Engine type
- Turboprop
- Power
- 2 × 2,380 shp · 1,775 kW
- Avionics
- Honeywell EFIS, Primus II Nav/Comm Radio System
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 18
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 7 ft 10 in · 2.40 m
- Cabin height
- 6 ft 3 in · 1.90 m
- Cabin length
- 30 ft 10 in · 9.40 m
- Exterior length
- 65 ft 0 in · 19.80 m
- Tail height
- 29 ft 6 in · 9.00 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 8 ft 10 in · 2.69 m
- Wing span
- 93 ft 10 in · 28.60 m
- Baggage volume
- 49 ft³ · 1.4 m³
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 43,800 lb · 19,900 kg
- Max landing weight
- 37,000 lb · 16,800 kg
- Max payload
- 6,400 lb · 2,900 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 1,530 gal · 5,800 L · 4,600 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 194 kt · 223 mph · 359 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- 68 kt · 78 mph · 126 km/h
- Range
- 1,319 nm · 1,520 mi · 2,440 km
- Fuel burn
- 0.99 nm/gal · 0.48 km/L
- Ceiling
- 14,700 ft · 4,500 m
- Rate of climb
- 1,600 ft/min · 8 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 2,650 ft · 820 m
- Landing distance
- 2,200 ft · 670 m
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Operational Context
Bombardier 415 — amphibious firefighting aircraft
The 415 first flew in 1993 and entered service in 1994. It features a high-wing configuration and amphibious hull. The aircraft was engineered specifically for aerial firefighting missions.
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123 turboprop engines producing approximately 2,380 shaft horsepower each power the aircraft. Cruise speed approaches 190 knots (352 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 47,000 pounds (21,319 kg).
The 415 can scoop water from lakes and release large volumes over fires. It remains one of the most recognizable firefighting aircraft. Production has resumed under updated branding.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.