Releases Promotional Video Of New Scooping Air Tanker

Viking Air has released a video it says describes a new model of a scooping air tanker that could succeed the CL-415.

The CL-515, which has no production date, would have a tank that holds up to 1,850 gallons, representing a 15 percent increase in carrying capacity, according to a report from Fire Aviation. It could be outfitted with agriculture spraying equipment, or carry as many as 12 passengers or three stretchers. Other options could include a larger cargo door, search radar or video cameras.

The company said that the video is only a promotional tool and no official announcement has been made regarding the airplane. It is intended to generate interest in the potential production aircraft.

Last March at the Aerial Firefighting Conference at McClellan Sacramento Airport, Viking’s director of Special Projects, Sales, and Marketing, Christian Bergeron told Fire Aviation that the company is gathering information from potential customers about the features they would like to see on a new airplane. Flight Global reported in October that Viking anticipated a board decision about production of the new airplane late in 2018 or early 2019.

(Image from Viking Air video)

FMI: Source report