Canadair CL-415
The CL-415 "Superscooper" is a turboprop-powered evolution of the piston-engined CL-215, the first aircraft purpose-built from the outset as an aerial water bomber. Retrofit testing of turboprop CL-215T conversions in the early 1990s proved the concept, and the definitive CL-415 first flew on 6 December 1993 with new engines, a modernized cockpit and improved aerodynamics over its predecessor. Its twin-hull amphibious design lets it scoop water directly from lakes or the sea while airborne, refilling its tanks in under a minute rather than returning to an airport, a capability central to wildfire suppression worldwide.
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Did you know?
The CL-415's belly-mounted probes scoop water from a lake in about twelve seconds, letting it refill without ever landing.
Specifications
| Length | 19.8 m (65 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 28.6 m (94 ft) |
| Height | 9 m (29 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2-30 |
| Crew | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 19.8 t |
| Range | 1,300 NM (2,408 km) |
| Maximum speed | 207 kt (383 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 14,900 ft (4,542 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 15,000 ft (4,572 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,300 ft/min (6.6 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 840 m (2,756 ft) |
| Landing distance | 670 m (2,198 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 5,700 l |
| Engines | 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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