LeadStory

CBC News

Canadian-made water bomber back in production to fight wildfires

CBC News · New
CBC News
CBC News
New

Canada is rushing to build more capacity to fight wildfires, and De Havilland factories in Calgary are pushing to get new DHC-515 Firefighters back in the air nearly a decade after Bombardier stopped production.

Breakdown
  • Production of the DHC-515 water bomber resumes in Calgary after a 10-year pause. 6s
  • The aircraft, known as a super scooper, is widely used in Canada and Europe for wildfire fighting. 16s
  • De Havilland began building a modernized version after acquiring rights from Bombardier. 37s
  • European countries have ordered 22 aircraft, with Manitoba and Ontario planning purchases, but deliveries are not expected before 2030. 1m 3s
  • De Havilland may ramp up production if demand increases, but Canadian agencies must use their current fleet until new planes are ready. 1m 37s
AviationDisaster