Eve-of-Show Boost for Canadian Water-Bomber

In addition to sleek executive jets and regional airliners (both prop and jet), Canada's Bombardier produces a more angular machine which, though not quite an ugly duckling, seldom is in the air show limelight. However, that is not to say it is always out of sight and mind; whenever there is a forest fire to be fought, the first call is usually made for the Bombardier 415 SuperScooper.

This turboprop version of the out-of-production, piston-engined Canadair CL-215 has sold steadily over the past decade. Customers include two heavily forested provinces of Canada as well as the air forces or civil assistance units of France, Greece, Italy, Slovenia and Spain.

Shortly before the company demonstrator arrived for exhibition at Asian Aerospace, in the course of a three-month Asian tour, it was dsiclosed by Deputy Housing Minister Datuk M. Kayveas that provision is being made in the 8th Malaysia Plan for a pair of Bombardier 415s. Subject to Cabinet approval, the aircraft will be acquired at an unspecified date to combat the fire threat demonstrated by the recent dry spell.

Key to the SuperScooper's versatility is the fact that it is an amphibian. Landing on any convenient stretch of water, it deploys a belly scoop while still "taxiing," allowing it to load its tanks with six tons of water in 12 seconds and immediately take off. If, for example, the water source is 11 km from the fire, a Bombardier 415 can make nine drops per hour, delivering a total of 55,260 liters (14,600 U.S. gallons).

Additionally, of course, the 415 can be readily transferred to other duties, such as sovereignty patrols, illegal immigration interdiction and utility transport. Its ability to land on water makes it ideal for search and rescue missions at sea.

By Paul Jackson