Will Be Converted Into Q400 Multirole Airtankers

Conair Group has purchased six Q400 aircraft to be modified to incorporate an enhanced version of Conair's proprietary Retardant Delivery System. In the Q400 Multirole configuration, the retardant tank can be removed and reinstalled in the field in a few hours. This enables the aircraft to efficiently perform additional roles in emergency response, passenger and cargo transport, medivac, and coastal patrol without compromising its exceptional firefighting capabilities.

Based on the current list price, the firm order is valued at approximately $206 million. Conair operates the world's largest fleet of privately owned fixed wing airtankers and supplies specialty aerial firefighting aircraft and products worldwide.

"The enhanced Q400 Multirole has the most advanced airtanker capabilities of any aircraft in service today," said Barry Marsden, Chairman & CEO, Conair. "The Q400 Multirole's versatility delivers optimal value by accommodating year-round service in passenger, cargo, combi transport, medivac, emergency response, surveillance and patrol without compromising state-of-the-art airtanker capabilities."

"The Q400 Multirole delivers the efficiency, reliability, reduced downtime and low operating costs of the Q400 in a multi-role application. Combining turboprop economics and jet-like performance, the Q400 Multirole delivers exceptional value," said Stéphane Leroy, Vice President, Bombardier Specialized Aircraft. "The Q400 Multirole is the ideal aircraft to meet Conair's needs, offering a unique ability to serve diverse and challenging environments."

The Q400 Multirole offers the ultimate in flexibility and is able to easily switch between firefighting, cargo and passenger transport, and medivac roles. The Q400 Multirole can operate out of unprepared strips, conduct steep approaches when landing, short take off, and deliver a cruise speed of 360 knots.

Bombardier has over 1,000 specialized aircraft in service around the world.

(Source: Bombardier news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.bombardier.com