dhc 15 firefighter
The business of fighting fires from the air is global. This is dangerous work, and every season, it seems the industry loses aircrews to crashes. Watch this short video to get an idea of how dangerous this activity is.
The skills pilots need to fly low and slow in murky air are impressive. Look at how the crew of Tanker 10 handle their DC-10 in this canyon.
De Havilland DHC-515
Bloomberg reports that wildfires this year scorched an area roughly the size of Nicaragua. Typically, firefighting aircraft are in their second life. The DC-10 mentioned above started as a passenger airplane. Some are ex-military aircraft. There are few purpose-built firefighting airplanes.
One that is purpose-built is the De Havilland Canada (DHC) DHC-515.
This aircraft has arguably the best heritage in aerial firefighting. The “515” is derived from what was the Bombardier CL-415, and this aircraft was derived from the Canadair CL-215. Seen here is a CL-215 used by Greece powered by radial engines.
The heritage is easy to see. You can read more about the DHC-515 here.
Two years ago there was talk of 22 LOI from Europe. Actual deals have been more measured: Greece for seven, Croatia for two, France for two, and Portugal for two, while global demand is higher. A concern for all operators is, what happens to all the Canadair/Bombardier/DHC waterbombers grounded for lack of parts and support? Then there is the issue of a dedicated DHC-515 Final Assembly Line. DHC’s first 515 is being assembled in facilities also used for the Twin Otter and Dash 8 refurbishment. DHC (like all OEMs) struggles to recruit skilled aviation personnel.
Newer and bigger is probably better
