End of the line for CL-415 water-bombers ?
End of the line for CL-415 water-bombers ?
11 June 2013
published by www.aviationweek.com
Canada — After 20 years and 87 deliveries, it appears the end is in sight for production of any new Bombardier CL-415 water-bombers.
Derived from the 1960s piston-powered CL-215 model, the PW123-engined ‘super scooper’ is one of only two commercially available dedicated water bombers (the other being the Russian jet-powered Beriev 200).
Bombardier recently delivered the 87th CL-415 to Morocco, and they are scheduled to get one more this year. After that, although another has already been produced at the North Bay, Ontario facility, there appear to be no more outstanding orders.
The Israeli Government was close to ordering six in 2011 but this appears to not have been firmed up. Although no more may be built after this year, they are likely to be in service for decades to come, as they have a very long shelf life. Some of the earliest CL-215s are now 45 years old.
