Bombardier 415

The amphibious water bomber built for wildfire response.

Overview

Bombardier Canada ICAO: CL2T 1994–2015 Active $37 million (2015)

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.

Live Fleet Activity (CL2T)

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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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A Bombardier 415 dropping water during a firefighting session.

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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.

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