Canadair (now Bombardier/De Havilland Canada) CL-215T

Rprim 🇨🇦

1h ago · © Rprim

At ywk for forest fire ops , tanker 289

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Aircraft

CL-215T CL2T

Newfoundland and Labrador Airtanker Service

C-FIGJ

Registration

Airline

Newfoundland and Labrador (Government/Airtanker Service)

Manufacturer

Canadair (now Bombardier/De Havilland Canada)

Gear

Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air back camera 5.96mm f/1.6

Achievements

Turboprop Tracker, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager

3 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 75.0

Distinctive CL-215 captured well, though glass reflections lower clarity and flat lighting mutes colors a bit.

Location

Wabush Airport

YWK/CYWK

52.9219, -66.8644

Open map

Wabush Airport YWK

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The Canadair CL-215 and its turbine-upgraded CL-215T variant are iconic amphibious water bombers, crucial for aerial firefighting, especially in Canada and Southern Europe. The CL-215T conversion upgraded earlier piston-engine models to turboprop powerplants, improving performance.

Fleet Rarity

CL-215T conversions are far less common than the base CL-215 with only several dozen converted; Newfoundland and Labrador operate a very small fleet of water bombers.

Record Flights

Primarily used for aerial firefighting missions—routinely performs low-level water scooping and firefighting sorties.

Safety & Events

CL-215/215T aircraft have been essential in large-scale wildfire responses. The type is well regarded for its amphibious versatility.

Future Outlook

Still in active service, but gradually being phased out by newer types (e.g., CL-415/Air Tractor AT-802F or Dash 8-400AT).

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF

Engine

28.6 meters

Wingspan

19.82 meters

Length

2,056 km

Range

300 km/h

Speed

2 crew; up to 5,443 L (1,438 US gal) water for firefighting

Capacity

19,731 kg

MTOW

8.98 meters

Height

2 × 2,380 shp (1,775 kW) each

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3 compliant

Noise