Airborne firefighting at its best; the story of the Canadair CL-215, 415, and 515

Don't forget to like the video and subscribe to my channel!
Support me on Patreon - / polyusstudios
The Canadair CL-215 is the most successful flying boat amphibian since the second world war. Its multi-role capabilities range from aerial spraying, search and rescue, cargo service, to its most notable role, as a water bomber. It has the most outstanding performance of any aerial fire fighting platform. Starting production in the late 1960s, it continued production in several forms through ownership by Bombardier and later by Viking Air. The latter is currently developing the exciting next generation CL-515 First Responder with deliveries expected in 2024.
0:00 Introduction
0:29 CL-43 Float Plane
1:31 CL-204 and the transition to Amphibian
5:15 CL-215 Intended Roles and Initial Customers
7:15 Upgrade to the Turboprop CL-215T
9:22 Ultimate Scooper, the CL-415
10:36 Viking and the CL-415EAF and CL-515
13:37 Accidents involving the CL-215, 215T, and 415
14:13 Conclusion
Music:
Denmark - Portland Cello Project
Research Sources:
Air Enthusiast' No.68, March/April 1997, pp. 66-9
‘The Canadair CL-215 Water Bomber Program’ by R. F. Stapells
Viking Air Website - aerialfirefighter.vikingair.c...
Skies Magazine - skiesmag.com/news/cascade-pur...
Air Attack Magazine - www.airattackmag.com/viking-a...
Global Security Website - www.globalsecurity.org/milita...
Wings Over Quebec Website - www.wingsoverquebec.com/?p=1246
Secret Projects Blog - www.secretprojects.co.uk/thre...
Air Attack Magazine - www.airattackmag.com/viking-a...
Footage Sources:
CL-215 Interview with Rob Mauracher - Viking - • CL-215 Interview with ...
Canadair CL-215 First Flight Anniversary - Viking - • Canadair CL-215 First ...
Amphibious Advantage Edit - Viking - • Amphibious Advantage E...
#CL215 #CanadianAerospace #PolyusStudios

[@albertbasson6611]

I'm from South Africa 🇿🇦! You be proud 👏!! Canadians!!!

[@peenguin1397]

Proud to be an Aircraft mechanic on the CL 415 in Croatia!

[@leelawrence3379]

It is quite something to see a half dozen working together in Croatia. You have exceptional pilots and the way you use this plane is an example to the world.

[@peenguin1397]

@@leelawrence3379 Thanks, glad to hear that from people. Be safe brother

[@anahata2009]

I still remember seeing these planes while visiting korčula in 2015. It was so impressive. I was fascinated-and so grateful.

[@abjectt5440]

The good old days when we made things in Canada.

[@DaveYogs]

And those things kicked so much ass, the rest of the world didnt even have anything close. Some things even since.

[@aregularperson7573]

Sadly those days are gone all we can do is remember

[@raypitts4880]

ok canada great they only developed the air frame because of a need for it other country's have developed other types of air frame for different duties so they are all good in their own field of required services.

[@brentfellers9632]

We still build, it's viking aircraft in b.c. Canada 🇨🇦

[@titan4110]

RIP Bombardier man. That used to be pride of Canadian Aviation.

[@Unix2816]

Canadair: Develops weapons of war Also Canadair: Firefighting is badass

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

Keep in mind that a good defense that can be used as an effective offense will prevent war.

[@titan4110]

@@toomanyhobbies2011 That is true but how exactly do you plan on using an water bomber as an offensive weapon?

[@nguyenhoangan-matt]

@@titan4110 eh maybe water soaking the enemy and let them freeze in the Canadian winter?

[@titan4110]

@@nguyenhoangan-matt that might work

[@DaVe-iSnOtHoMe.MaN.LemmingsWeB]

@@titan4110 scoop H2o add gelatin and kerosene bam5000 L of napalm.

[@lukehoward3487]

This aircraft is a reason to be proud of being Canadian.

[@garfieldsmith332]

CF-100, CF-105, C-102, Otter, Beaver, Twin Otter, Dash-8, Norseman, Silver Dart, Challenger. Lots of Canadian aircraft to be proud of.

[@cliffthelightning]

Don't forget Rush.

[@Stephengirty]

@@garfieldsmith332 all based off the PBY Catalina. That's the one that should be really noted.

[@Stephengirty]

Btw I'm an American.

[@garfieldsmith332]

@@Stephengirty Not really. There were the Short company flying boats and others all with similar designs. And actually they are all based upon the Felixstowe FA2, The first production "seaplane/flying boat". All future designs were based upon it. The streamlined boat like hull and the high placed wing. and wing floats. And the Martin Mariner was a superior aircraft to the PBY.

[@im2noob4bronze]

as a Greek, my country faces forestfires every summer. especially in the summer of '21,it was hell. CL-215 and 415 helped massively to extinguish these fires, as it's our workforce in aerial firefighting. eternally grateful of the "Canadair" as we call them, hope this year i manage to enter the AirForce Academy and letter fly them :)

[@BobInGreek]

Τι θες και εσύ να πέσεις με τα σάπια ??

[@perotekku]

Please never change your format or background music! Incredible!

[@brentgalye2936]

Converting the 215 and 415 put food on my table, I love opening my eyes in the morning and seeing these planes on the floor. I to have flown them and they are a robust fun aircraft to fly. May they fly for years to come.

[@m.pearce3273]

This is one of you finest documentaries and I totally love it. I flew in one CL 215 in 1971 as 7 year old. One was stationed on Summit Lake about an hour's drive NW of Prince George, during the entire fire season. At the end they offered me a quick fly about. I'm pleased with all the background info you did.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

I worked at US Coast Guard Air Station Miami at Opa Locka Airport, Florida, from 1988 to 1995. During that time there was one of these water bombers -- the turboprop version IIRC -- at the airport, and I drove over and took a look at it. What I think amazed me THE MOST was how *small* the two water scoops on the bottom of the fuselage are. Although when you think about it, with water being incompressible it does make sense.

[@brianperry]

A few years ago one of these planes flew over our Campo house, Spain, being deployed on a forest fire a few kilometres from us. As the aircraft flew over my wife waved...I said, don't be silly the pilot will never see you....within seconds the pilot 'waggled' the wings a few time...I then received that 'I told you so' look

[@camlebans]

Thank you . My Dad first flew this plane (215) in 1968 as a Test Pilot at Canadair .

[@vincentgoudreault9662]

Correction: at 7:26, it is stated that the tail was revised to "improve aerodynamics". That is not entirely correct. The modified tail is to *recover* some of the controllability and stability lost due to more powerful engines being located closer to the center-line than the original piston engines and having the sidewash hit the vertical tail. The "finlets" I suggested as some kind of a joke, turns out management liked the idea. Then, there was a bad coupling between the vertical and horizontal, when one stalling would drag the other -- so our manager came up with the idea of the bullet (even if the apex joint I had the lads make for the wind tunnel model proved even more effective and far less ugly, management was set on the bullet). The slat on the right side inner leading edge of the horizontal tail was yet another band-aid, but that was at the time of the CL-415 implementation, and I had been assigned to another project at that point, so never really bothered to know all the details. The plane could have been made so much better -- and possibly simpler and cheaper -- if management had not restricted what could be changed, and how, 30 years ago...

[@blackdeath4eternity]

thanks for the insider knowledge.

[@xiro6]

For me, those Canadair and the DC-3 are the most beautyful aircrafts in history. Funny thing, I have an RC model of the Canadair, with 3000W power plant but i didn't put the “bullet” on the empennage. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inLZYWCDZseAqNE and the encounter on the first flight day. 01:10 on this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3uVpHaPf7WMfrs I don't get what was your alternative to the bullet but i like a lot all the other finlets and shapes, jokes or not. Other very important part I wasn't fully aware and had to install/increase later was the spray rails, the bow throws a huge lot of water to the props just before getting on the step, when still plowing. It was when I really noticed the importance of those “big” water spray fins the real one has. Many thanks for your part on giving us such a gorgeous machine. For me, it's an art masterpiece, no joke or exaggeration.

[@dodaexploda]

This is a good one. Such a iconic Canadian plane.

[@guywerry6614]

Many years ago I was able to stand underneath the flight path of water bombers, about 200 metres before the fire that they were fighting. As the planes hit the edge of the fire you could see how desperately low they were flying and how they were being thrown around by the air currents of the file. Amazing stuff to watch! Good documentary.

[@jondavidmcnabb]

Such a modern and awesome platform for an amphibian!!!

[@DrumRobson]

As a kid, I saw one crash into a mountainside in corse (france) near Calvi. I think it was in 2004 or 2005. Not sure if it was a 215 or a 415, but my guess is a 415 because I cant remember it sound like a radial engined model. Sadly the crew did not survive. I‘ll never forget this. It‘s also always been my favorite plane. Only recently came to enter one in a museum, which was a great experience.

[@IanDarrel]

Excellent informational video! I am a Viking Air engineer and this was a solid recap of our Canadian Aviation history. ✈️ Minor fix on 10:58, this acquisition was done in 2006. 2016 was the Amphibious program acquisition.

[@j.celgoog3275]

Due to the recent events in Europe, hope you will get many orders quickly. France is suppose to be interested by 16 model 515, fingers crossed.

[@anahata2009]

Since you're an engineer at Viking, I thought I'd ask-is it possible to explain in simple language, for someone who is neither an engineer nor a pilot (which will soon become obvious to you), not even an aviation fanatic, how the planes maintain stability when in the process of scooping up the water and rising again? I imagine the water sloshing around, for lack of a better way of putting it, creating instability for pilots. Or, does the forward motion of the plane provide enough force to prevent movement of the collected water? Does the excess flow out the side vents bring the cache to a level point with no room to slosh as it settles? Do I just fundamentally misunderstand what's going on in that process, in the innards of that plane? So many questions . . . I realize it may not be possible to dumb it down enough that I'll get it, but if you can, you'd satisfy some growing curiosity for me. In any case, I'm grateful to all those who've taken time to study and learn and put their skills to such an important use that benefits so many.

[@geofffleming12]

I love it when form follows function, resulting in something brilliantly designed through distilled purpose.

[@tonivazquez1081]

As much as i don't like to speak for others, i think every spaniard that cares for the forest that is an integral part of the natural beauty of the country loves the Canadair firefigther planes. And anyone who has taken even a small look at the brave crews and incredible machines helping to keep those sadly recurring fires at bay. This aircraft is beloved here in Spain, to a point where a few years ago a huge controversy exploded over the fact that they were purchased by the nation but all aspects of the operation were subcontracted, sadly at a time when the forest fires took more trees, wildlife, property and human loss than ever. I think the situation improved sligthly when they went back to be operated by pilots from the air force ( ejercito del aire ), wich displayed time and time again a level of dedication and professionalism above and beyond. Of course helped by the outstanding airframes. I hope they continue for serve for many years to come, amazing airframe, too many times overlooked. By the way, you can distinguish most of the times wich images are from Spain operated planes by looking at the tail, the large "x" in black over white is the marker of the Spanish Air Army ( literal translation ). Named, no idea why, St. Andrew Cross.

[@blackdeath4eternity]

thanks for the insight into Spains plains.

[@JohnHughesChampigny]

It's named the St Andrew cross because it's the cross of St Andrew. (Flag of Burgundy). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_the_Apostle#Spain

[@tonivazquez1081]

@@JohnHughesChampigny Thanks, i did know that. What i dont understand is why is used in the spanish air force. Maybe the catholic mania that every arm of the army needs to have a Saint as a patron.

[@raypitts4880]

sprites might help the up lift to do the job they do.

[@thekiatty6953]

Currently fighting wildfires in BC and we have Airtractor skimmers buzzing around but I sincerely wish we had some of these overhead

[@Ostsol]

This and the Twin Otter are my all-time favourite Canadian aircraft. Tried and tested workhorses with great service records.

[@jimbaritone6429]

Damn. Here's a story giving a perfect example of an original and highly innovative Canadian design being produced, and later extensively revised and upgraded - twice - to the Bombardier Cl-415 and Viking CL-515. Yes, we knew how to do it back then, and we've continued to learn and improve this amazing aircraft, and it shows. We've heard very broad hints from operators flying (relatively) short routes to out-of-the way spots, and how the turboprops currently fulfilling that task are all due to be retired or EOL'd. Which begs the question: The DHC-2 Beaver developed in response to a very clear need for bush-flying aviation in Canada. Here's another shining example of a true Canadian success story. Why can't our domestic aircraft industry produce an aircraft that would take the place of the retiring Embraers, Dash-8's, etc? Not as a Private business/Government project, but strictly as a private venture. There are ,many novel design features on earlier DHC and Canadair planes that never were produced, but there are plenty of good ideas. We could do this. We should do this.

[@kirkchapman80]

Excellent video ! Proud Canadian and I love our workhorse aviation development ! When the yanks want a rescue in winter in Antarctica... fly twin otters down from the artic ...that happened 2x. Got to love it ! Beavers Otters Caribous Buffaloes and the great CL 15 Series all Excellent in their niche! Avro Arrow what a tragedy

[@etherealessence]

Growing up in northern Ontario, I used to see these every few summers in the skies. Used to go to the lake to watch them tank up and take off.

[@paulgagnon9830]

My father worked at Canadair in the 60’s as head of the legal team in charge of sales. Later, as VP he finalized sakes of this wonderful aircraft to France… and Quebec. Interestingly, the final sale ro Quebec involved bribes to Daniel Johnson’s Party.

[@fritzthecat3150]

Daniel Johnson: Are you talking about the father or the son?

[@davidmok108]

Malaysian here! Early this year i get to see for myself this wonderful aircraft performing a fly by and a water bomb drop! Amazing plane! 12:35

[@JK-rv9tp]

Fun fact. The funny turned up wing tips are not some kind of weird winglet, they are "dihedral plates" installed to restore aerodynamic dihedral effect lost when the flat nacelles of the turboprops inhibited lateral flow across the fuselage, spoiling the effect of the T wing to fuselage joint and reducing roll stability.

[@raypitts4880]

there is always a reason why the shapes are added to flying surfaces one angle adds lift and irreconcilability to the air frame.

[@samgeorge4798]

Can't wait

[@Wilge_Zomer]

You’re gonna have to, sorry

[@sailingmaster]

There really is something magical about flying boats. I grew up next to a family that owned an old Grumman Goose. I loved that plane. Loved it so much that it convinced me to be a pilot. I told the head of the family on a number of occasions, that if he ever wanted to sell, contact me. Long story short, he died and his kids sold the plane to the first person asked and it's since been scrapped. I love knowing that there are still good flying boats out there. Thanks for this one.

[@W1ldTangent]

Another example of something designed with a razor focus on doing ONE thing really well, and pulling it off. The reason why so many new aircraft or other military projects fall off the rails is that they fall down the "multi-role" rabbithole. It's a fallacy most of the time, only times it's ever resulted in success has been accidentally finding a single-role design had other applications to other customers than originally intended, such as the F-4 Phantom.

[@BattleManiac7]

A real icon, and a handsome design imo. Hats off to the people who fly them too. Also, I didn't know so many countries over in Europe flew water bombers.

[@raypitts4880]

north of the med there are just about every nation that has forest are still using them and buying as many as possible withe the change in the weather patterns.

[@radarmike6713]

My city was dead to see the 415 production end and Bombardier leaving us here inNorth Bay. It destroyed the aviation potential and expansion that was happening here before Bombardier left. I've said it a million times. The world underestimates how amazing Canadian aviation innovation and production is. We've produced airframes that have pushed aviation decades ahead in an airframes production. Canada needs to double down on aviation innovation and production again. We could be the #1 world leaders again.

[@_Hoagie]

Hey, a fellow North Bay-ite! At least Voyageur Aviation seems to be doing well for itself, lots of work going on there. And I agree, with Bombardier selling off all their aviation production save business jets, I think Canada is once again falling behind in the aviation industry.

[@radarmike6713]

@@_Hoagie voyageur is....but they are doing tear down for disposal and upgrade/maintenance. And they aren't the size and recognized company internationally as Bombardier was....so look at the aviation park here. 95% of those new businesses aren't aviation related. Just built as it was cheaper taxes and permits and what not.

[@_Hoagie]

@@radarmike6713 I was more meaning the impact of the business of North Bay specifically, but I get your point. And the industrial park was never marketed specifically for aviation, just that it was right on the airport. Again, unfortunate, but I'm sure the city is glad to have local industry regardless of the sector.

[@m1t2a1]

Canadian engineers put America on the moon. The engineers were from a cancelled plane which I won't mention. Still too soon.

[@nicholaspatton1742]

The airplane is an obsession of mine. I look for all content and do regular searches for up to date information. This video is the best I've seen. Well done.

[@billestew7535]

along with the beaver, otter, and Norseman one of Canada's greatest aircraft

[@billestew7535]

And Twin Otter

[@Kishanth.J]

Another great video. Thank you for highlighting Canada’s once great aerospace industry

[@stevenandrews6627]

Thank you for all the effort and work putting together this channel and personally this particular episode. I spent the best flying years of my life flying the 215 & 415 here in Canada.

[@cf6282]

What a great plane and what a great presentation…! Keeping going Viking!

[@ericnelson7596]

I like the addition of imperial measurements to the spec sheet

[@HuckThis1971]

I have inspected many parts of the CL-415 with a Leica laser tracker. I love this aircraft. Beaver first, then CL-415!

[@NOLMAD6]

Thank you for the Vid, I've always wanted to see the history of CL_215 family. Glad to see their still demand for this Canadian icon.

[@fritzthecat3150]

Yes but they are so solidly built that they last a long time and therefore this reduces demand. Just like the Maytag in the old days.

[@NOLMAD6]

@@fritzthecat3150 so very true on both accounts

[@jerrycann6374]

I worked on the CL 215 when I worked at Canadair

[@j-p6422]

Another great video! Thanks!

[@reggierico]

Great presentation. Thanks to our brothers to the north for developing such great utility aircraft, including these water bombers. I see them on the ramp every time I fly over Van Nuys on my way into Burbank, CA.

[@pa4tim]

I have seen them for the fist time somewhere in the 70's. We were on holyday in France and I was in my canoe on a big lake. Suddenly a sirene started and I had no clue why. Until I saw a big yellow and red airplane coming over the hill and it descended in my direction. I did my best to get out of the way as fast as possible (at that moment I realist why there were floats in the water) and that was just on time. Very cool to see them so close by.

[@JohnHughesChampigny]

A famous french tall tale is firemen finding a mostly naked burnt body after a forest fire and unable to work out how he got there -- only to realise he'd been scooped up by a canadair from a lake and dropped on the fire (this is, of course, impossible).

[@fritzthecat3150]

@@JohnHughesChampigny Urban legend

[@JohnHughesChampigny]

@@fritzthecat3150 Like I said. It's a "tall tale" and "impossible".

[@raynus1160]

Excellent! These aircraft operated out of the airport I trained at. Always a treat to watch.

[@alonedoughnut]

I love your videos, and this is one of my favourite planes. During my youth, I spent 4 summers in Gimli, with these always on the tarmac, and I got to tour them then. Which for the even younger me, the one who grew up watching Tail Spin and loving amphibious aircraft, loved even more. Super excited to watch this one!

[@perotekku]

Hey, Gimli! Just spend two weeks there visiting my mom. You'll be happy to know they still fly out of the airport. Grew up watching these fly out of Winnipeg, always loved the colours as a kid.

[@alonedoughnut]

@@perotekku I'm glad to hear! They get repaired here in Calgary, so I still get to see them, but I do miss being an Air Cadet and hearing them roar down the runway.

[@SmokeFlame1]

Two CL-215s were used to fight the Hagersville tire fire (south of Hamilton Ontario) back in 1990. As I recall they were operated bu the Ontario department of Lands and Forests. That fire burned for 17 days.

[@scottmccambley764]

Remember when the Hagersville tire fire was immortalized in the Simpsons that season

[@lb9007]

Another great video! Thank you!

[@thecraziestcanuck]

And another great upload 👌 Great content and fantastic presentation. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@davy1458]

What a great plane....i think its cool !!! Good job canada!!!!

[@ronaldbell198]

US needs about 3,000 of these.

[@raypitts4880]

no they wouldn't cost to much money and makes no profit for the bean counters.

[@Homelice]

I’m training to be an AME in Winnipeg and the Babcock hanger is right next door. Im happy I get to see these and the 415’s almost everyday.

[@bakhen]

Thanks for another great video. I have always been interested in the CL-215 family but never knew much about it. Fantastic!

[@royalcityjazz]

Had to become a Pateron supporter. You continue to bring value and create excellent content which I am quite sure will serve as an adjunct the official Canadian aerospace archive. I've witnessed the official archives. Dug through them. All detail, no context. You should be funded by the taxpayer. Well done son. The old guard salutes you.

[@SaturnCanuck]

An amazing airplane. Great photography too. I have never heard her referred to as the Scooper though

[@billestew7535]

Canada's Coast Guard should have 2 fleets of CL 515 aircraft because the need is there and the multiuse ability of this aircraft is undeniable.

[@johnandrews3568]

Awesome video about an amazing aircraft! Well done!

[@Akren905]

Those 4 water bombers coming I'm like that next to the cruise ship was like a ballet.

[@1Curmudgeon]

Thank you for this. I was involved with the original radial to turboprop conversion test program. Been enjoying all of your videos, damn fine coverage.

[@davidnoseworthy4540]

Very well presented, thank-you!

[@brucesheehe6305]

An engineering masterpiece.

[@Booyaka9000]

YASS!! I love you Polyus!! This is just what I was looking for this rainy morning!!!!

[@saber1105]

As always, incredible video. Your body of work is quickly becoming the premier accessible video archive of Canadian aerospace history! I hope one day a partnership with Canadian aerospace museums/agencies happens :) Cheers

[@Ericlee-ne7du]

Canadair always had really cool looking planes.

[@sorincaladera936]

All your videos are beautifully well done. The imagery, research, editing and voice just snap together to paint an amazing experience. Edit: Thank you for sharing 👍👍

[@markthibault8579]

Well done.

[@scotabot7826]

Super Video Friend!! Thanks so much for making!

[@carlbusque1856]

Great work, appreciate your channel, please keep them coming!

[@Mechaneer]

Makes me proud to be a viking

[@proudcanadian67]

Another great video! thank you

[@DSIVXX]

I saw one a few years ago on approach to the Red River for a fire south of Winnipeg. It was awesome, even with all the Hercs flying around

[@jacquesparadis6756]

Magnificent reporting! Thank you for your excellent work. Jacques

[@polyus_studios]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nico9254]

Merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo !

[@JosheyG34]

Love the Canadian videos man keep it up!!

[@GapBahnDirk]

Fantastic!

[@brucebissell7626]

AWESOME!

[@antman2826]

12:52 Holy Fuuuuuuck!!! Nearly fac e planted into the cliff face. Incredible maneuverability.

[@riccardogranato1274]

Would love to fly it someday!

[@MrPnhartley]

Good job!

[@arthurjennings5202]

Appreciate the documentaries. Good content. Excellent video processing. Enjoyable to watch.

[@polyus_studios]

Much appreciated!

[@scottwhite2483]

Another awesome video

[@tallguy8452]

Magnificent

[@s.marcus3669]

Love the subject matter, the narration and even the music bed. All in all, your videos are wonderful to watch!

[@rontaylor5468]

Great video. 98% accurate. Did some great research. Might be one of the best info shows on the plane out there. Thanks for making it.

[@polyus_studios]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markman2626]

Great video. Growing up in Ville Saint-Laurent just across from the former Cartierville airport, I can confirm that the airfield was located well within the boundaries of Ville Saint-Laurent. This is a common misconception as Cartierville borders Ville Saint-Laurent. The former air field is now a large housing development with only a small section of the airstrip still in use, repurposed as an access road for Bombardier.

[@kenhutchinson]

This was very well done! Earned a subscriber

[@SerielThriller]

Great video

[@martinhoude3518]

Growing up in Québec, these aircraft, scooping water directly in lakes, were the normal. In French, they were just the cistern-airplanes. Then, I discovered some places used helicopters, and wondered why when the cistern-airplanes could obviously do much better. Then I met my wife, who's from France. She knew these planes as Canadairs. The French Science-and-Tech-for-kids show "C'est pas sorcier" did a feature on those planes, calling them Canadairs. That's when I realized how special these planes are. It's incredible that they still don't have competition. Of course, one needs to recall that not all places have suitable lakes lying around for scooping water to drop on a nearby fire. I don't know if the planes can take in saltwater, but waves are an obvious concern.

[@Jacob-ru3cc]

I love these planes

[@edl617]

Last one produced in 1990. Those CL-215 that are still around have been continuously modified and improved. The CL-415 a. Vast improvement version was also designed search and rescue and utility transport. has ceased production even through production should have been continued. The homeland security and the department of interior should have bought at least 200

[@fritzthecat3150]

Homeland Security are more interested in bringing in illegal immigrants rather than putting out forest fires.

[@boblordylordyhowie]

Some may say they are ugly aircraft but the work they do make them the most beautiful.

[@sdghtjsdcgs]

Jesus, we punched well above our weight in aviation back in the day.

[@flyingbeaver57]

Yes. But now that Viking have re-started production, and with the forest fire situation worldwide getting no better, I don't think we're out of the game just yet.

[@LuckySoaringTiger]

Look at those boundary layer fences!

[@robertlewis1965]

I loaded fire bombers at WILLIAMS LAKE AIR TANKER BASE IN 1978 & 1979. The BEST people ,all of them!!

[@user-xj3ve7wt8k]

Croatia should buy 4 more.

[@bobheale2521]

125 aircraft sales makes it the best selling amphib plane since ww2?...wow

[@BigUziVert2190]

There were a LOT of wildfires just recently here in Alberta and there’s still some ongoing, and our CL-215’s have been doing some work I’m pretty sure, I don’t remember exactly though, but Alberta has a fleet of them, it’s pretty neat

[@curiousgeorge5992]

Purpose-built french-made Canadian used, expensive but worth every penny

[@bfvader]

What's the water-delivery comparison for the CL-215/415/515 vs Martin Mars water bomber? I drive past the Philippine Mars and Hawaii Mars at Sproat Lake, BC on my way to go surfing every summer.