Bombardier CL-415

Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

1h ago · © Old man

Landing

1 / 2

0 likes 0 comments

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

More like this

Bombardier CRJ-700 (Canadair Regional Jet 700)

Bombardier Global Express (likely Global 6000)

Aircraft

CL-415 CL2T

Yellow and red \'FIRE\' livery (firefighting operator)

Manufacturer

Bombardier

Achievements

Turboprop Tracker, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Runway Royalty, Livery Legend

5 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 76.0

Great timing catching the Canadair on rotation! Slight softness and muted light hold this back from top tier.

Location

FSM Airport

Fort Smith Regional Airport · FSM/KFSM

35.3247, -94.3810

Open map

Fort Smith Regional Airport FSM

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Bombardier CL-415 is purpose-built for aerial firefighting and is renowned as the \'Super Scooper.\' It is the successor to the Canadair CL-215.

Fleet Rarity

Produced in low numbers (less than 100 built); rare compared to mainstream commercial types but the most common amphibious firefighting airplane globally.

Record Flights

Known for its unique water scooping ability, making record numbers of firefighting sorties during major wildfires, especially in Mediterranean countries, Canada, and the U.S.

Safety & Events

Several have operated in extreme firefighting conditions worldwide. Some have been involved in challenging rescue and fire suppression operations.

Future Outlook

Continues active service, though some are being replaced by the new DHC-515 variant in the 2020s.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF

Engine

28.6 m

Wingspan

19.82 m

Length

2,443 km (ferry)

Range

333 km/h

Speed

2 crew; up to 6,137 L (1,621 US gal) of water/retardant

Capacity

19,731 kg

MTOW

8.98 m

Height

Each engine: 2,380 shp (1,775 kW)

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3

Noise