Water Bombers Have Dropped Over 1.3 Billion Gallons Of Fire Suppressant

It may well be the least-well known of the Bombardier line, but it's apparently a real workhorse. Bombardier announced Thursday that its 415 aircraft has reached an important milestone in less than 20 years life span: over 200,000 hours flown since its entry-into-service.

"Given the limited amount of actual specialized flying time per year, it is quite impressive that the Bombardier 415 program has attained a remarkable rate of 200,000 flight hours during which it has dropped over five billion litres (1.3 billion gallons) of water," said Michel Bourgeois, President, Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft & Military Aviation Training, Bombardier Aerospace. "It is no wonder many believe that the Bombardier 415 aircraft is one of the most successful aerial firefighting aircraft programs in history."

Including the recent order from an undisclosed customer, Bombardier has booked firm orders for a total of 84 aircraft, and to date, 76 Bombardier 415 aircraft are in service with more than 18 operators worldwide. The production of the Bombardier 415 aircraft integrates a high level of craftsmanship and is adapted to meet the requirements of customers. A team of in-service support experts is available at all times to assist the operators.

The Bombardier 415 has a normal cruise speed of 180 ktas and in an average mission of six nautical miles distance from water to fire, it can complete nine drops within an hour, delivering 14,600 U.S. gallons of fire suppressant. The aircraft is also offered in a multi-purpose version, the Bombardier 415 MP aircraft, for search and rescue, maritime patrol and environmental protection, while maintaining its firefighting capability. Malaysia and Greece have each taken delivery of two Bombardier 415 MP aircraft for special mission roles.

FMI: www.bombardier.com