Today, Bombardier Aerospace confirmed that the Government of Manitoba is the previously announced undisclosed customer that had purchased four Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft in February 2010. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin during the fourth quarter of 2010 and will continue until 2012.

The Government of Manitoba currently operates seven CL-215 aircraft. With this firm order, a portion of its aging fleet will be replaced with four of the world’s most efficient firefighting machines: the Bombardier 415 aircraft.

“The Government of Manitoba has a 30-year tradition of operating amphibious scooping aircraft, going back to 1977, with the purchase of its first CL-215 aircraft. The acquisition of these Bombardier 415 aircraft will allow the Government of Manitoba to continue its successful aerial firefighting mandate. With its increased speed and water load, this aircraft will provide improved capabilities for combating forest fires in  Manitoba’s large forested territory,” said Michel Bourgeois, President, Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft and Military Aviation Training, Bombardier Aerospace.

“As the only aircraft specifically designed for aerial firefighting, and recognized around the globe as the backbone of firefighting missions, the Bombardier 415 aircraft will allow the Government of Manitoba to protect its communities, environment and wildlife for years to come,” added Mr. Bourgeois.

Since the first Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft was delivered in 1994, a total of four Bombardier 415MP and 71 Bombardier 415 aircraft have been delivered to governments and firefighting agencies in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, Ontario, Québec and Spain. In addition, 64 CL-215 amphibious piston aircraft remain in service.

The Bombardier 415 firefighter aircraft has a normal cruise speed of 333 km/h (180 KT). In an average mission of six nautical miles (11 kilometres) distance from water to fire, it can complete nine drops within an hour and deliver 14,589 U.S. gallons (55,233 litres) of fire suppressant.

Source: Bombardier