Today, Bombardier Aerospace announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has purchased four Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft that will serve to replace part of its aging aerial firefighting fleet. Based on the list price, the contract is valued at approximately $120 million US and includes aircraft modifications, spare parts provisioning, training and technical support. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin during the second quarter of 2010 and will continue through 2011.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Transportation and Works currently operates six 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 Bombardier 415 aircraft has consistently demonstrated its unique firefighting capabilities by operating effectively in rugged and demanding conditions around the world. With a large territory to cover and limited airport access in remote areas, the Bombardier 415 aircraft, with its water scooping capability, is the most productive and reliable aviation tool for combating forest fires in Newfoundland and Labrador’s rugged lake-rich terrain,” said Michel Bourgeois, President, Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft and Military Aviation Training, Bombardier Aerospace.

“The only aircraft specifially designed for aerial firefighting, and recognized around the globe as the backbone of firefighting missions, the Bombardier 415 aircraft will allow the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to protect its communities, environment and wildlife. With a major portion of the province’s land covered by forest, the Bombardier 415 aircraft will support Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to suppress and extinguish fires for decades to come,” added Mr. Bourgeois.

“Our agreement with Bombardier for the purchase of new Bombardier 415 waterbomber aircraft will allow us to replace some of the aging aircraft in our existing fleet with state-of-the-art, modern aircraft that will enhance our forest fire supression capabilities,” said the Honourable Tom Marshall, acting Minister of Transportation and Works for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. “Through our negotiations, we have developed a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bombardier that will assist in further supporting and developing our emerging aerospace and defence sector into the future.”

Since the first Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft was delivered in 1994, a total of four Bombardier 415 MP and 69 Bombardier 415 aircraft have been delivered to governments and firefighting agencies in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, Ontario, Québec and Spain. In addition, 66 CL-215 amphibious piston aircraft remain in service.

The Bombardier 415 firefighter aircraft has a maximum speed of 224 mph (359 km/h) under certain conditions. 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