Canadair CL-215

The Canadair CL‑215 is a purpose‑built amphibious aircraft designed by the Canadian manufacturer Canadair in the 1960s to combat forest fires. First flown on 23 April 1967, the type entered operational service with the French and Canadian fire‑fighting agencies in 1969. Its high‑wing, twin‑engine layout and sleek hull allow it to land on water, ski on snow, or operate from short, unpaved runways, making it uniquely versatile for aerial water‑bombing missions. The CL‑215 can scoop up to 5,400 litres of water in a single pass, using specially designed retractable scoops that fill the fuselage in under twelve seconds, then release the payload at rates of up to 300 litres per second over a fire line. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 radial engines, the aircraft offers a cruising speed of 285 km/h and a range of roughly 1,300 km, enabling long‑duration sorties. Over the decades, more than 150 CL‑215s have served with governments and private operators worldwide, establishing the model as a benchmark for aerial firefighting. Its rugged construction, ease of maintenance, and proven performance have inspired successors such as the CL‑415, cementing the CL‑215’s lasting impact on aviation safety and disaster‑response capabilities.

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