Canadair CL-415

Description

The major differences of the CL-415 with its predecessor CL-215, are substantial although only visible in close range, and include:

• Modern, new generation cockpit, with liquid crystals displays (LCD), as in most modern commercial planes.
•  Turboprop engines, combined with modern airfoil propellers, resulting in spectacular increase of  performance, maneuverability and flight safety in the demanding environment of Aerial Fire fighting
• Modern navigation and communication devices.
• Aerodynamic aids that optimize the plane’s efficiency, especially in low altitude.
• Hydraulic assisted control yokes
• Larger lifting capacity, which, combined with the increased speed and climb rate, allow for more water drops per unit of time.
• New, electronically controlled water release system, with 4 doors, which can be released all at once or sequentiall,y ensuring the best ground coverage depending the circumstances
• Improved mixing system for fire retarding agent.

Its amphibious character, allows the use of nearby bodies of water for refilling the water tanks without the need to return to an airport. The load is enriched with a quantity of foam, multiplying the efficiency of the water drop 2-3 times. The advanced water release system with 4 doors, gives more choices to the crew, depending on the situation.

CL-415 Cockpit

Water release doors

The plane can be used in other roles too, due to its capability of transporting 8 passengers and 1 crew member besides the 2 flight crew members required.

• Open sea search and rescue, using an on-board liferaft.
• Forest-fire patrol with immediate engaging capability.
• Support of aerial fire fighting operations, light transports of crew and technical personnel

CL-415MP cabin configurations

Moreover, the MP type planes, with the necessary equipment, can execute the following missions:

• Castaway search with advanced electronic tracking systems (FLIR, Radar, SLAR) and rescue with the use of on-board liferaft.
• Patient transportation
• Paratrooper drops
• Sea surveillance

The 7-year service of the plane has showed that is a very reliable resource. Nevertheless, its use in a very demanding environment which includes sea-water collection and low altitude release with turbulence and sudden currents, create a heavy demand in maintenance, which is performed with the following frequency:

• Every 50/100 flight hours
• Annual maintenance
• Factory maintenance (PDM) every 6 years.

Technical Specifications