Proud to say I worked on these aircraft in the early 1990’s. We called them “Ducks” back then and they ran on “Radial Engines” unlike the newer models that use turbines!
The Canadair CL-215, also known as the “Scooper,” is a versatile amphibious aircraft primarily designed for firefighting operations, but it has also been used for other missions like search and rescue, cargo transport, and passenger services. Here are some key statistics and interesting details about this aircraft:
Basic Statistics of the CL-215:
- Type: Twin-engine, high-wing amphibious aircraft
- First Flight: October 23, 1967
- Production Run: 1969 to 1990
- Total Built: 125 aircraft
- Crew: 2
- Passengers: Up to 26 in special configurations for transport
- Length: 65 feet (19.82 meters)
- Wingspan: 93 feet 10 inches (28.60 meters)
- Height: 29 feet 6 inches (8.98 meters)
- Empty Weight: 12,220 kg (26,941 lbs)
- Max Takeoff Weight (land): 19,730 kg (43,500 lbs)
- Max Takeoff Weight (water): 17,100 kg (37,700 lbs)
- Maximum Speed: 290 km/h (157 knots)
- Range: 1,715 km (925 nautical miles) at max cruising speed
- Water Scooping Capacity: 5,455 liters (1,440 US gal) in 12 seconds
Radial Engines of the CL-215:
The CL-215 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-83AM radial engines, which are 18-cylinder, air-cooled engines. Here’s what makes them special:
- Power Output: Each engine produces 2,100 horsepower, offering substantial thrust for the aircraft’s operations, particularly crucial for its low-speed, high-load operations during firefighting.
- Design: The radial engine configuration was chosen for its robustness and reliability, which are vital for operations in harsh environments like those encountered in firefighting. The engines are mounted in a shoulder position, which helps maintain the aircraft’s center of gravity when scooping or dumping water.
- Historical Significance: These engines were among the last radial engines used in modern aircraft, showcasing the endurance and efficiency of this engine type, especially in applications where engine simplicity and durability are prioritized over modern turbine engines.
- Maintenance: While radial engines require more maintenance compared to turboprops, they are well-suited for the rugged conditions of forest fire zones, where quick turnaround times for scooping and dropping water are essential.
Evolution to CL-415 and Introduction of CL-515:
- CL-415: This is an enhanced version of the CL-215 with significant upgrades including:
- Engines: Replaced the radial engines with two more efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprop engines, each providing 1,775 kW (2,382 hp).
- Performance: Offers increased speed and operational weight, leading to better productivity and performance in firefighting operations.
- Avionics: Features an Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) for enhanced cockpit management.
- Water Capacity: Can scoop up to 6,137 liters (1,621 US gal) of water.
- CL-515: The upcoming model, now renamed as the De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515), is being developed by De Havilland Canada after Viking Air acquired the type certificate. Key points include:
- Modernization: Building on the CL-415’s design with further enhancements for firefighting, including night operations capability.
- Production: Assembly is planned in Calgary, Alberta, with parts manufactured in British Columbia.
- Market: There are already letters of intent from European customers, indicating a strong market interest in this new model.
This evolution from the CL-215 through to the CL-515 shows a continuous focus on improving firefighting capabilities while maintaining the core functionalities that made these aircraft legends in aerial firefighting.
When I worked for Conair, we had CL-215’s, DC6B Air Tankers, Piper Aerostar’s & Cessna 337’s.
Conair Aviation, now known as Conair Group Inc., is a Canadian company based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, specializing in aerial firefighting. Here’s an expanded overview of Conair, including additional aircraft they have utilized or currently use for firefighting operations:
About Conair Group Inc.:
- Founded: 1969 as a spin-off from Skyway Air Services.
- Operations: Conair provides aerial firefighting services, aircraft maintenance, and engineering modifications. They are known for retrofitting various aircraft types into firefighting configurations.
- Fleet: Conair operates one of the largest privately-owned fleets of fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft in the world. They have contracts with agencies in Canada, the US, Australia, and France.
- Training: Conair has developed a specialized Training + Tactics Centre, which includes the world’s largest and most comprehensive aerial firefighting training facility with advanced simulators.
Aircraft Used by Conair for Firefighting:
- Conair Firecat (S-2 Tracker Conversion):
- Type: Originally a Grumman S-2 Tracker, modified for firefighting.
- Capacity: Can carry up to 3,296 liters (870 US gal) of retardant.
- Retired: The Firecat and Turbo Firecat versions have been phased out but were significant in the company’s history.
- Air Tractor AT-802F:
- Type: Single-engine, purpose-built for firefighting.
- Capacity: Can carry up to 3,028 liters (800 US gal) of retardant or water.
- Variants: Includes float-equipped versions for scooping water from lakes or rivers.
- Bombardier Dash 8-400AT (Q400AT):
- Type: Converted from passenger to firefighting aircraft.
- Capacity: With a large external tank, it can drop up to 10,000 liters (2,642 US gal) of retardant.
- Unique: This model is noted for its speed, efficiency, and versatility, making it ideal for large-scale fire suppression.
- Avro RJ85 AT:
- Type: Four-engine jet converted for firefighting duties.
- Capacity: Can carry up to 11,350 liters (3,000 US gal) of retardant, making it one of the larger tankers in Conair’s fleet.
- Role: Primarily used as a high-capacity airtanker for major fire operations.
- Canadair CL-215 and CL-415:
- Type: Amphibious aircraft known for scooping water from natural sources.
- CL-215: Original model with radial engines, capacity for 5,455 liters (1,440 US gal).
- CL-415: Updated with turboprop engines, capacity increased to 6,137 liters (1,621 US gal). Conair has both operated and maintained these aircraft for various clients.
- Convair CV-580 (retired):
- Type: Twin-engine turboprop conversion.
- Capacity: Carried up to 3,200 liters (845 US gal) of retardant.
- Note: This aircraft was retired from Conair’s fleet by 2022 due to age and maintenance costs.
- Lockheed Electra L-188 (retired):
- Type: Four-engine turboprop, one of the larger airtankers.
- Capacity: Could hold up to 11,350 liters (3,000 US gal) of retardant.
- Retired: Conair retired these aircraft in 2020.
- Douglas DC-6 Air Tankers:
- Type: Post-war piston-engine airliner converted for firefighting.
- Capacity: Could carry approximately 11,350 liters (3,000 US gal) of retardant.
- History: Conair used DC-6Bs as one of the first large air tankers, providing significant firefighting capability. They were known for their ruggedness but have since been retired from Conair’s fleet.
Older “Birddog” Aircraft:
- Role: These aircraft are used for air attack coordination, reconnaissance, and directing firefighting operations from the air. They are typically smaller, lighter aircraft that fly ahead of the air tankers to manage the fire scene.
- Piper Aerostar:
- Type: Fast, twin-engine aircraft used for birddog roles.
- Use: Employed for its speed and agility in fire reconnaissance and directing tanker drops.
- Cessna 337 Skymaster:
- Type: Unique push-pull twin-engine configuration, offering good visibility and maneuverability for birddog duties.
- Use: Used for its versatility in observing fire behavior and coordinating aerial firefighting efforts.
Conair’s approach involves not only using these aircraft but also continuously innovating and upgrading their fleet, both through new purchases and conversions, to meet the ever-evolving demands of modern aerial firefighting. Their work includes engineering solutions for aircraft to be more effective, safer, and capable of handling the increasing challenges posed by wildfires around the globe.
Go Firefighters!