Today, Bombardier Aerospace announced the sale of Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft to an undisclosed customer. The customer’s identity and the number of aircraft remain undisclosed for the time being. Based on current list price, the contract is valued at approximately $126 million US and includes training and technical support. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin during the fourth quarter of 2010 and will continue until 2012.

“Since its launch in 1994, the Bombardier 415 aircraft has consistently proved itself to be a reliable and effective firefighting tool. The aircraft’s unique operational capabilities and exceptional performance allow it to operate in the most rugged and demanding of circumstances, and is recognized around the world as the most effective firefighting aircraft available,” said Michel Bourgeois, President, Bombardier Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft.

Since the first Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft was delivered in 1994, a total of four Bombardier 415 MP 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, 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.