DeHavilland Canada introduces DHC-515 Firefighter
The latest offspring in the Canadair CL-215 family was introduced on 31 March 2022. The new model has been announced as DHC-515 Firefighter which will be marketed by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited.
Until recently the project was known as CL-515. This CL-515 is an updated version of the CL-415EAF ‘Enhanced Aerial Firefighter’, which is basically a converted CL-215.
The CL-515 incorporates new technology and materials that expand the operating envelope compared to the CL-415 water scooper. Enhancements include increasing the water tank from 1,600 to 1,850 gallons, higher landing weights, and the ability to refill in 14 seconds. A modernized flight deck addresses current and future regulatory requirements and will include dual GPS, TCAS II, TAWS, ADS-B out, Synthetic Vision Technology, FMS, and Flight Director.
Since its introduction in 1966 and the prototype’s first flight on 23 October 1967, the piston engine Canadair CL-215 has been a success. This was equally true for the later turbo-engine powered CL-215T and CL-415, both built by Canadair too.
In late 2016, Viking Air Ltd. in Sydney (BC), Canada acquired the Type Certificates of the CL-215, CL-215T and CL-415.
Then Viking—in partnership with Longview Aviation Services (LAS)—elected to introduce an ‘Enhanced Aerial Firefighter’ (EAF), mirroring the CL-215T conversion program and updating with the addition of operator requested enhancements. To support this new CL-415EAF program, LAS acquired a fleet of CL-215 aircraft for conversion to the Viking CL-415EAF standard.
The CL-415EAF included the winglets, finlets, higher operating weights, increased capacity firebombing system, and foam injection system of the CL-415. The production was to have initiated in 2020, but was held up by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wide-angle view of the facilities of Longview Aviation Services where two piston engined CL-215s are rebuilt as CL-415EAF.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited has now decided to go ahead with their DHC-515 program after European customers signed letters of intent to purchase the first 22 aircraft. The first of these is expected to be delivered by 2025, while the final 22th is expected around 2030. Other potential customers will then have ample time to consider renewing their existing fleets or proceed with new acquisitions.
It is obvious that with the ongoing climate change and the resulting increase in wildfires, there will be an interest in the world’s only purpose built firefighting aircraft for many years to come!
Illustrations: De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited