View source for Canadair CL-215

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=October 2020}}
{{short description|Flying boat family by Canadair, later Bombardier}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
| name = CL-215
| image = File:CL215 43 Grupo (cropped).jpg
| aircraft_role = [[Firefighting]] [[amphibious aircraft]]
| national_origin = Canada
| manufacturers = [[Canadair]]
| designer = 
| in_service = 1969–present
| first_flight = 23 October 1967<ref name = "fi 269"/>
| construction_date = 1969–1990
| introduction = 1969
| status = In service
| primary_user = <!--please list only one-->[[Canada]]
| more_users = [[Greece]] <br/> [[Spain]] <br/> [[United States]]<!--please list only three-->
| number_built = 125<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-test-bombardier-415-the-superscooper/88562.article |title = FLIGHT TEST: Bombardier 415 - The superscooper |publisher = Flight International |first = Mike |last = Gerzanics |date = 21 August 2009}}</ref>
| variants= [[Canadair CL-415]]
}}

The '''Canadair CL-215''' ('''Scooper''') is the first model in a series of [[amphibious aircraft|amphibious]] [[flying boat]]s designed and built by [[Canada|Canadian]] aircraft manufacturer [[Canadair]], and later produced by [[Bombardier Aerospace|Bombardier]]. It is one of only a handful of large amphibious aircraft to have been produced in large numbers during the post-war era, and the first to be developed from the outset as a [[aerial firefighting|water bomber]].

The CL-215 is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft designed in the 1960s. From an early stage, it was developed to perform [[aerial firefighting]] operations as a water bomber; to operate well in such a capacity, it can be flown at relatively low speeds and in high gust-loading environments, as are typically found over [[Wildfire|forest fires]]. It can also be used for other missions types, including passenger services, freight transport, and air-sea [[search and rescue]] operations. On 23 October 1967, the first prototype performed its [[maiden flight]], and the first production aircraft was handed over during June 1969.

While production of the CL-215 was terminated during 1990, this was due to the imminent introduction of an improved variant of the aircraft, which was designated as the [[Canadair CL-415|CL-415]], the manufacture of which commenced during 1993. Furthermore, numerous conversion and improvement programmes have been developed for existing aircraft, such as the ''CL-215T'', a [[Gas turbine|turbine]]-powered model of the original aircraft which replaces the original [[Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp|Pratt & Whitney R-2800-83AM]] [[radial engine]]s with a pair of [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100|Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF]] turbine engines. Other changes include the addition of new avionics and various structural improvements.

==Development==
===Origins===
[[File:Canada 1979 Postage Stamp - Canadair CL-215 Firefighting Plane.png|thumb|1979 postage stamp of a CL-215]]
The origins of the CL-215 can be traced back to two earlier project studies conducted by [[Canadians|Canadian]] aircraft manufacturer [[Canadair]], the ''CL-43'' and ''CL-204''. The CL-43 was conceived as a logistics aircraft and was based on the design of the [[Canadian Vickers]]-built ''369 Canso'' (which was itself a variant of the [[Consolidated PBY Catalina]]).{{cn|date=December 2020}} Arising from an earlier 1960s research study at the company, the original concept was for a twin-engined [[floatplane]] transport, that was altered into a "firefighter" as a result of a request by forestry officials in the [[Quebec Service Aérien]] ([[Quebec Government Air Service]]) for a more effective way of delivering water to forest fires. The 1962 preliminary design, designated as the ''CL-204'', was a purpose-designed [[Aerial firefighting|water bomber]] that evolved into an amphibian flying boat configuration, powered by two shoulder-mounted {{convert|2100|hp|abbr=on|0}} [[Pratt & Whitney R-2800]] [[Reciprocating engine|piston engine]]s.<ref name = "fi 269"/> Reportedly, in excess of 1,700 hours of wind tunnel and water tank testing was used to help define the aircraft's basic configuration. This design was shaped by a desire for it to be well-suited for performing a range of roles, including air-sea [[search and rescue]], cargo haulage and commercial passenger-carrying, beyond the water bomber mission.<ref name = "fi 26971">Flight International 1968, pp. 269, 271.</ref>

The definitive design, which was designated as the CL-215, was publicly revealed at the 1965 [[Paris Air Show]].<ref name = "fi 871">[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1968/1968%20-%202735.html "Canadair CL-215."] ''Flight International'', 21 November 1968. p. 871.</ref> Aviation publication [[Flight International]] observed that the CL-215 was "one of the very few entirely new large marine aircraft to be put in hand for some 20 years", and that it was the first aircraft to be designed to perform water bombing missions as a primary role.<ref name = "fi 269">Flight International 1968, p. 269.</ref> Developing a newer aircraft meant that, unlike its older competitors, the latest techniques to stave off [[corrosion]] could be applied, as well as a [[fail-safe]] structure, to give the aircraft a lengthy lifespan. Canadair's market research indicated that there were many aging seaplanes for which operators required a modern replacement.<ref name = "fi 269"/>

On 1 February 1966, the programme was authorised to proceed.<ref name = "fi 269"/> On 23 October 1967, the first prototype performed its [[maiden flight]].<ref name="Janes 76 p17">Taylor, John W. R. (editor). ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1976–77''. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1976. {{ISBN|0-354-00538-3}}. p. 17.</ref> By November 1968, Canadair had decided to commit to an initial production batch of 30 aircraft.<ref name = "fi 871"/> During June 1969, the first CL-215 was delivered to the [[France|French]] civil protection agency ([[Sécurité Civile]], then known as Protection Civile). The aircraft, which was one of a batch of ten, had been purchased under a £4 million arrangement; by July 1970, the order had been completed, along with a third of a 15 aircraft order from the government of Quebec.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1970/1970%20-%201292.html "French Water Bombers."] ''Flight International'', 16 July 1970. p. 78.</ref> Quebec had ordered the type as a replacement for their aging fleet of Canso water bombers; in comparison to the Canso, the CL-215 required a shorter landing distance and was capable of travelling twice as fast.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1966/1966%20-%201675.html "A buyer for the CL-215."] ''Flight International'', 9 June 1966. p. 956.</ref>

===Further development===
[[File:Canadair CL-215 Hellenic AF2.jpg|thumb|Head-on view of a [[Hellenic Air Force]] CL-215, 2007]]
Prior to the delivery of the first aircraft, plans had already been mooted for the production of multiple models of the type.<ref name = "fi 269"/> While the ''CL-215A'' served as the standard water bomber configuration, another model, designated as the ''CL-215C'', had been envisioned to dispense with the design compromises as to better perform the water bomber mission, allowing it be furnished with larger doors on the sides of the fuselage and a revised underfloor hull structure.<ref name = "fi 272">Flight International 1968, p. 272.</ref>

Production of the CL-215 progressed through five series. Perhaps the most significant development of the type occurred during the 1980s in the form of the ''CL-215T'', an initiative to replace the original [[Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp|Pratt & Whitney R-2800-83AM]] [[radial engine]]s with a pair of [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100|Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF]] [[Gas turbine|turbine engine]]s.<ref name = "goold 23"/> Speaking during the new model's development, company officials recognised that market demand for the CL-215T was marginal, and thus not enough to justify developing an all-new aircraft.<ref name = "goold 23">* Goold, Ian [https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1988/1988%20-%203697.html CL-215 "Water Jet"]. ''Flight International'', 31 December 1988. pp.&nbsp;23.</ref>

Canadian transport conglomerate [[Bombardier Aerospace]] (who had acquired Canadair during the 1980s) decided to terminate production of the type during the late 1980s. Although manufacturing did come to an end in 1990, a further improved model, designated as the [[CL-415]], entered production during 1993. Additionally, multiple conversion and refit programmes have been launched over the following decades to renovate and improve existing aircraft, typically focused on improving aspects such as the engines, avionics and structure.<ref name=Flight4apr2018/>

In 2018 Bombardier sold the design documents and intellectual property rights to the CL-215 and CL-415 to [[Viking Air]].<ref name=airmedandrescue2019-06-21/><ref name=Wings2019-06-24/>  Viking Air had previously purchased the rights to the [[Twin Otter]], and had subsequently opened a production line to manufacture new Twin Otter airframes.  Viking announced plans to open a production line to build the [[CL-515]], an improvement over the CL-415, with more recent avionics, instrumentation to allow it to continue fighting fires at night, and the ability to fill other roles, like maritime surveillance, and maritime search and rescue, when it wasn't fire season.

Viking also produced an upgrade kit, the CL-415EAF, which would allow the owners of remaining CL-215 planes to upgrade their engines and avionics to the same level as new CL-515 planes.<ref name=airmedandrescue2019-06-21/><ref name=Wings2019-06-24/><ref name=skiesmag2020-03-11/><ref name=aerialfiremag2020-03-10/>
After being upgraded by [[Viking Air]] subsidiaries Longview Aviation Services (LAS) and [[Cascade Aerospace]], the CL-415EAF was first flown from [[Abbotsford, British Columbia]] on 12 March 2020, to be delivered in April to Bridger Aerospace.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/mro/viking-airs-updated-cl-415eaf-makes-flight-debut/137221.article |title= Viking Air's updated CL-415EAF makes flight debut |author= Craig Hoyle |date= 12 March 2020 |work= Flightglobal}}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - Arrival of Foreign Aid to IAF Bases, Dec 2010 (5).jpg|thumb|A Canadair CL-215 of [[Turkish Aeronautical Association]] TC-TKZ on the ground; note the deployed [[landing gear|undercarriage]].]]
The Canadair CL-215 is a twin-engine, high-wing general-purpose [[amphibious aircraft]].<ref name = "fi 871"/> It features an atypically spacious fuselage for an amphibian, which is designed to accommodate for the operational needs of various roles that the aircraft was developed to perform.<ref name = "fi 269"/> The CL-215 can be used as an [[aerial firefighting|airborne firefighting]] platform, in which capacity it is used as a water bomber; it has been claimed to be the first aircraft designed to withstand the severe aerodynamic and hydrodynamic loads imposed by such usage. Beyond the water bomber role, the CL-215 was designed for use in other capacities, such as a [[search and rescue]] platform, passenger transport, and freighter; for this purpose, the cabin can be configured in various different ways, including a flexible [[Combi aircraft|combi]] configuration. Under typical operations, these applications would harness the aircraft's ability to land and takeoff from the water, the hull having been designed to enable its use upon the open seas.<ref name = "fi 871"/>

The CL-215 was designed to perform well in the aerial firefighter role. The apparatus is designed around previously-proven concepts and careful design.<ref name = "fi 272"/> The aircraft's belly houses a pair of {{convert|300|impgal|L|order=flip}} water tanks of which large downward-facing doors forms their bottoms; these open to rapidly discharge water over a target area.<ref name = "fi 272"/> These doors are normally [[hydraulics|hydraulic]]ally actuated and electrically controlled, but a manual release is present for emergency use only; the tanks can be emptied simultaneously, individually, or in sequence at the pilot's selection. Both tanks are positioned directly upon the aircraft's centre of gravity so that filling or emptying the tanks has minimal impact upon the aircraft's flying characteristics.<ref name = "fi 272"/> Water can be rapidly drawn into these water tanks while the aircraft is moving across a body of water's surface via purpose-built rotatable aluminium scoops; if a collision occurs, these scoops have been designed to break away from the aircraft without damaging the fuselage.<ref name = "fi 269"/> To prevent the tanks from becoming overfilled, overflow ducts are present at the top of the tanks, which discharge excess water via the sides of the fuselage.<ref name = "fi 272"/>

[[File:Buffalo Airways Canadair CL-215 cockpit cropped.jpg|thumb|left|The cockpit of a [[Buffalo Airways]] CL-215, September 2010]]
The CL-215 is said to handle well in both the skies and upon the water; significant attention was paid in its design to attaining a high level of manoeuvrability while at low speeds.<ref name = "fi 269"/> The hull was laid out with considerable forethought, using the full length of the fuselage as a hull to give the aircraft good handling across many sea states. This hull incorporates a high deadrise angle to reduce impact loads exerted during landings, along with a high step to improve breakaway.<ref name = "fi 270"/> Sufficient buoyancy is acquired via multiple watertight bulkheads and a sealed floor attaching directly to the hull frames, two of which serve as attachment points for the wings. Spray compresses are present along the hull's [[chine]], directing spray away from the propellers, engines, and tail unit, while a purpose-built plate diverts spray from the pilot's windshield.<ref name = "fi 270"/> The CL-215 is relatively conventional in terms of its aerodynamics; all of the flying controls use traditional surfaces and are manually actuated via mechanical linkages. It is furnished with a high-mounted low-aspect ratio wing, which is equipped with single-slotted [[flap (aircraft)|flap]]s.<ref name = "fi 270"/> To simplify pilot workload, a constant 15-degree flaps position is used for both low speed and low altitude flight, while the need to adjust the aircraft's [[trim tab|trim]] has been minimised during operations such as water uptake and dropping.<ref name = "fi 269"/>

[[File:Buffalo Airways Canadair CL-215 bomb door.jpg|thumb|left|Internal view of the "bomb door" from which water is dropped]]
Both the structure and systems on board the aircraft were reportedly designed to ease manufacture and maintenance.<ref name = "fi 270"/> The primary structure is compliant with [[fail-safe]] design principles, as well as with attention paid to minimising built-in residual stresses and maximising protection against corrosion; as such, conventional [[alloy]]s are used throughout, while numerous materials, including [[magnesium]], are excluded to reduce reactivity. For this purpose, Canadair paid heed to requirements previously defined by the [[United States Navy]] under [[MIL-F-7179]], having judged these criteria to be optimal for their purposes.<ref name = "fi 270"/> All [[aluminium]] components that made direct contact with water were [[sulphuric acid|sulphuric]]ally [[anodisation|anodised]] and sealed used [[sodium dichromate]]; other aluminium elements received a [[chromium|chromate]] coating before the exterior paint was applied while steel was plated with a [[cadmium]]-[[titanium]] alloy. Contact between dissimilar metals was avoided wherever reasonable to do so, or otherwise insulated from another by four coats of primer. The exterior paint layer consists of wash primer, followed by a coat of epoxy-polyamide primer, and then a final top coat; some areas may received a special [[synthetic rubber]]-based sealant coating to prevent moisture ingress.<ref name = "fi 270">Flight International 1968, p. 270.</ref>

The CL-215 is powered by a pair of 2,200&nbsp;hp [[Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp|Pratt & Whitney R-2800-83AM]] [[radial engine]]s, which was regarded as a proven and reliable power unit.<ref name = "fi 871"/> Flight International describes this choice as being unusual as these engines were no longer in production, a decision that was somewhat justified by the large numbers of reconditioned units that were available during the 1960s; it was believed that a piston engine would be more durable in a maritime environment.<ref name = "fi 26970">Flight International 1968, pp. 269–270.</ref> In a standard configuration, fuel is housed across 12 tanks within the wing, although additional tanks can be installed within the outer wing.<ref name = "fi 271"/> [[Deicing]] measures protect the engine's [[carburettor]]s, which involves drawing heated air from the engine cylinders over them instead of ambient air.  The propellers can also be fitted with electrical heating mats; while these are provisioned for, they were not fitted as standard. Each engine drives a pump for the [[hydraulics|hydraulic]] system, which is used to actuate the engine cowl and wing flaps, the wheel [[brake]]s, water drop doors and pick-up probes, as well as for [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] retraction; each engine also drives a 28V [[Direct current|DC]] generator which powers the aircraft's electrical systems.<ref name = "fi 271">Flight International 1968, p. 271.</ref>

==Operational history==
{{expand section|date=May 2019}}
[[File:Waterbomber aircraft (CL-215).jpg|thumb|A CL-215 making a low pass above a body of water]]
Over a period of 21 years beginning in 1969, 125 of these aircraft were built and sold to customers in 11 countries. In 2018, there were reportedly around 165 CL-215 and [[CL-415]]s in service across 11 countries.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2018-10-12/viking-air-preps-fire-season-updates-water-scooper-line |title= Viking Air Preps for Fire Season, Updates Water Scooper Line |author= Amy Laboda |publisher = ainonline.com |date= 12 October 2018}}</ref>

==Variants==
;CL-215A: Initial version, with [[Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp|Pratt & Whitney R-2800-83AM]] 18-cylinder air-cooled [[Radial engine|radial piston engines]]. Features an internal structure compatible with provisioning water bombing apparatus, which includes a pair of underfloor tanks, belly-mounted doors, and rotating scoops. It was targeted at the water bomber and utility freight market sectors.<ref name = "fi 272"/>
;CL-215B: Near-identical to the CL-215A, this model featured minor adaptations made to suit the needs of the [[search and rescue]] and commercial freight industry customers.<ref name = "fi 269"/>
;CL-215C: Largely identical to the CL-215A, but lacks any provision for the water bomber mission. As such, it features a revised underfloor structure, larger side-mounted doors and more windows in the main cabin area. A maximum of 36 passenger can be accommodated, without making any provision for baggage.<ref name = "fi 272"/>

[[File:4316MAT5.jpg|thumb|A turboprop-powered CL-215T of the [[Spanish Air and Space Force|Spanish Air Force]]]]
;{{visible anchor|CL-215T}}: [[File:CL-215T 43-21 (29733827710).jpg|thumb|A [[Spanish Air and Space Force|Spanish]] Canadair CL-215T exiting the water after a flight at Visita LEPO 2016]]In 1987, the CL-215T was announced, with improvements in handling brought about by design changes to the wings and [[empennage]], and more powerful [[Pratt & Whitney]] turboprop engines. Originally the follow-up CL-215T was to be a simple turboprop-powered development of the CL-215, and Canadair converted two aircraft in 1989 to act as development aircraft. The first of these flew on 8 June 1989. Retrofit kits for CL-215s to the new standard are offered, but Canadair elected not to build new CL-215Ts and instead developed the [[Canadair CL-415|CL-415]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} [[Conair Group|Cascade Aerospace]], Canada, offers CL-215 to CL-215T engine retrofits using the Bombardier kit and [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100|Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF]] engines.<ref>[http://www.cascadeaerospace.com/products/Aerial/ "Aerial Fire Control."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905114551/http://www.cascadeaerospace.com/products/Aerial/ |date=5 September 2008}} ''Cascade Aerospace''. Retrieved: 23 May 2012.</ref>
;CL-415EAF:Conversion program offered by [[Viking Air]] featuring [[Pratt & Whitney]] turboprop engines and EFIS avionics suite.<ref>{{cite web |title=CL-215T and CL-415EAF Aircraft |url=https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/aircraft/cl-215t-cl-415eaf-aircraft |website=Viking Air |access-date=28 November 2017}}</ref> The first of 11 used aircraft purchased to be modified should be delivered to launch customer, Bridger Aerospace, in the first quarter of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/news/viking-cl-415-enhanced-aerial-firefighter-launch-customer-named|title=Viking CL-415 Enhanced Aerial Firefighter launch customer named|last=Langfield|first=Mandy|website=AirMed&Rescue|language=en|access-date=2020-01-28}}</ref> They will be strengthened to raise its maximum takeoff weight and have new [[Aircraft flight control system|flight controls]], [[Hydraulic machinery|hydraulic]] and [[aircraft fuel system|fuel system]]s.<ref name=Flight4apr2018/>
;CL-515: A relaunched production version, furnished with the CL-415EAF configuration.<ref name=Flight4apr2018>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/fidae-viking-nears-cl-415-eaf-start-cl-515-launch-447283/ |title= Viking nears CL-415 EAF start, CL-515 launch decision |date= 4 April 2018 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal}}</ref> Viking Aviation has announced plans to hire up to 150 employees to perform those conversions through its dedicated subsidiary, and in May 2018 applied for government support for restarting production of the type.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/viking-applies-for-funding-to-launch-cl-515-aerial-f-448381/ |title= Viking applies for funding to launch CL-515 aerial firefighter |date= 7 May 2018 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal}}</ref>
;B.TK.1
:({{langx|th|บ.ธก.๑}}) [[Royal Thai Armed Forces]] designation for the CL-215T.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Thai Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/thailand.html |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Canadair CL-215-1A10 CL-215-V, Newfoundland and Labrador Air Services AN1409598.jpg|thumb|Canadair CL-215 in Canadian civil service (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)]]
[[File:Mndnr-cl215-N266NR-071028-fox-tanker266-02-16.jpg|thumb|One of [[Minnesota Department of Natural Resources|Minnesota DNR]]'s Scoopers. The department lent the aircraft to the effort to fight the [[October 2007 California wildfires|California wildfires of October 2007]], and it is seen here at [[General William J. Fox Airfield|Fox Field]].]]
[[File:Buffalo Airways Canadair CL-215 water containers.jpg|thumb|Water tanks with fire suppressant tank at the rear. At the top of the tanks are funnels that allow water to spill overboard if excess is collected during replenishment operations]]

;{{CAN}}
As of April 2023 there were 55 CL-215/[[Canadair CL-415|CL-415]] registered with [[Transport Canada]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/Saf-Sec-Sur/2/CCARCS-RIACC/RchSimpRes.aspx?cn=%7C%7C&mn=CL215%7C&sn=%7C%7C&on=%7C%7C&m=%7C%7C&print=y |title= Quick Search Result for CL215 |date= 9 April 2023 |publisher= Canadian Civil Aircraft Register |access-date=9 April 2023}}</ref>
* [[Air Spray]], [[Edmonton]], [[Alberta]]: seven total; three CL215 1A10 and four CL-215-6B11 (Series CL-415) operated for the Government of Alberta
* [[Buffalo Airways]], [[Yellowknife]], [[Northwest Territories]]: four CL215 1A10
* [[Conair Group]], [[Abbotsford, British Columbia|Abbotsford]], [[British Columbia]]: four CL-215-6B11 (Series CL-215T); former contractor for Alberta
* [[Government of Newfoundland and Labrador]], [[Newfoundland and Labrador]]: five CL-215-6B11 (Series CL-415)
* [[Government of Quebec]], [[Transports Québec#Service Aérien Gouvernemental|Service Aérien Gouvernemental]] ([[Transports Québec]]), [[Quebec]]: 14 total; four CL215 1A10, two CL-215-6B11 (Series CL-215T) and eight CL-215-6B11 (Series CL-415)
* Longview Aviation Services Inc., [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]]: three CL215 1A10 and two CL-215-6B11 (Series CL-215T)
* [[Government of Ontario]], [[Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry|Ministry of Natural Resources]], [[Ontario]]: nine CL-215-6B11 (Series CL-415)
* [[Government of Saskatchewan]], [[Ministry of Environment (Saskatchewan)|Ministry of Environment]], [[Saskatchewan]]: seven total, five CL-215-6B11 (Series CL-215T), two CL215 1A10; according to the Ministry of Environment six CL-215P deployed to Airtanker Groups 3, 4 and 5<ref>[http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=07193acc-eacd-488c-94ca-4d893944ffaf "Canadair CL-215 - Environment".] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407060358/http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=07193acc-eacd-488c-94ca-4d893944ffaf |date=7 April 2014}}  '' Government of Saskatchewan (=Environment.gov.sk.ca )''. Retrieved: 14 July 2014.</ref>
;{{GRE}}
* [[Hellenic Air Force]]: 10 CL-215s as of July 2023.<ref name="fiwaf16 p36">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 6–12 December 2016, p. 36.</ref> 7 are CL-215GR and 3 ex-Yugoslav AF
;{{ITA}}
* [[Societa Ricerche Esperienze Meteorologiche]] (SoREM): five CL-215s leased abroad<ref name ='p42'>Keijsper 2008, p. 42.</ref> and operated on behalf of [[Protezione Civile]]
;{{ESP}}
* [[Spanish Air and Space Force]], 43 Grupo<ref>[http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/ea/pag?idDoc=8D6397FEE6BBF256C12574480029ADE6 "Canadair CL-215 T (UD.13T)."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204195443/http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/ea/pag?idDoc=8D6397FEE6BBF256C12574480029ADE6 |date=4 February 2012}} ''Ejército del aire''. Retrieved: 8 January 2012.</ref> – 14 as of December 2016.<ref name="fiwaf16 p47">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 6–12 December 2016, p. 47.</ref>
* [[Ministry of Environment (Spain)]]: 5 ex-Spanish Air Force CL-215Ts<ref name='p43'>Keijsper 2008, p. 43.</ref>
;{{THA}}
* [[Royal Thai Navy]]: 2 delivered in 1978 with 1 used as search and rescue patrol<ref name="fiwaf16 p48">Hoyle ''Flight International'' 6–12 December 2016, p. 48.</ref><ref name="AIOct78 p188">"Thai Boats". ''[[Air International]]'', Vol. 15, No 4, October 1978, p. 188.</ref>
;{{TUR}}
* Gökçen Aviation of [[Turkish Aeronautical Association]]: nine CL-215s and the current contractor for the [[Turkish Ministry of Forestry]]<ref>[http://thkgokcen.com.tr/hizmetler-yangin-sondurme.html "Only Aerial Fire Extinguishing Fleet of Turkey".] ''Gokcen Aviation'', 2013. Retrieved: 14 July 2014.</ref>
;{{USA}}

* [[Bridger Aerospace]]: Six CL-415EAFs<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bridger Aerospace - Scooping to Success |url=https://issuu.com/aerialfiremag/docs/aerialfire_novdec_48/s/11290437 |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=issuu |language=en}}</ref>

* [[Aero-Flite, Inc. Kingman, Arizona]]: five CL-215s<ref>[http://aerofliteinc.com/?page_id=43 "Our Equipment {{pipe}} Aero-Flite, Inc.Aero-Flite, Inc."] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20140711181215/http://aerofliteinc.com/?page_id=43 |date=11 July 2014 }} ''Aerofliteinc.com''. Retrieved: 14 July 2014.</ref>

===Former operators===
;{{CRO}}
*  885th Firefighting Squadron of the [[Croatian Air Force and Air Defence]] operated 2 CL-215s from 1995 to 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/croatia/af2/types/canadair.htm|title = Croatia Air Force}}</ref> They have been replaced by 6 CL-415s.<!---The figure in the source gives eight airframes, four owned by the government and four by the air force------><ref>[http://www.worldmilitair.com/production/cl215.htm "Canadair 215."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720054832/http://www.worldmilitair.com/production/cl215.htm |date=20 July 2017 }} ''worldmilitair.com.''  Retrieved: 25 August 2013.</ref>
;{{FRA}}
* [[Sécurité Civile]]: 15 aircraft operated from June 1969 to 1996, now all replaced with 12 [[Bombardier 415|CL-415]]s.<ref>Keijsper 2008, pp. 40–41.</ref>
;{{USA}}
* [[North Carolina Division of Forest Resources]] - Purchased a 1969 CL-215 in 1998. Used against over 135 fires during its ten year career, it was eventually retired and sold on [[eBay]] in 2011.<ref>[https://wildfiretoday.com/2011/05/10/north-carolina-sold-cl-215-super-scooper-on-ebay/]''Wildfire Today''. Retrieved: 26 March 2020.</ref>
* [[Minnesota Department of Natural Resources]] – operated 2 CL-215; all sold in 2015 and now replaced with [[Air Tractor AT-802|Air Tractor 802F Fireboss]]<ref>[https://fireaviation.com/2015/04/04/minnesota-dnr-begins-using-fireboss-air-tankers/ "Minnesota DNR begins using Fireboss air tankers."] '' fireaviation.com '', 4 April 2015.</ref> from contractor [[Aero Spray]] of [[Appleton, Minnesota]]
;{{VEN}}
*CVG Ferrominera Orinoco: two CL-215s, one crashed on 1989, the other one has been parked ever since at [[Manuel Carlos Piar Guayana Airport|Puerto Ordaz Airport]]<ref>[http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19890822-0 "ASN Aircraft accident: Canadair CL-215-1A10, YV-O-INC-2, Puerto Ordaz."] ''Aviation-safety.net''. Retrieved: 26 April 2012.</ref>
;{{YUG}}
* [[SFR Yugoslav Air Force|Yugoslav Air Force]]: five CL-215s delivered (5th was lost in 1984 crash) and entered service with the 676th Fire Fighting Squadron from 1981 to 1992, sold  by successor [[Air Force of Serbia and Montenegro]] to Greece in 1995.<ref name='p44'>Keijsper 2008, p. 44.</ref> In 2015 ex-Yugoslav CL-215 lost in crash.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aerialfiremag.com/hellenic-air-force-suffers-its-second-cl-215-crash-of-the-year/|title=Hellenic Air Force suffers its second CL-215 crash of the year. {{pipe}} AerialFire Magazine|date=9 June 2017}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
CL-215s have been involved in 31 accidents, 20 fatal.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.aviation-safety.net/database/types/Canadair-CL-215/index|title= Canadair CL-215 |access-date= 24 April 2023|author= Flight Safety Foundation |work= aviation-safety.net|year= 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211201101611/https://www.aviation-safety.net/database/types/Canadair-CL-215/index|archive-date= 1 December 2021|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newsroom |date=2023-07-25 |title=Firefighting aircraft crashes while battling Evia wildfire {{!}} eKathimerini.com |url=https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1216293/firefighting-aircraft-crashes-while-battling-evia-wildfire/ |access-date=2023-07-25 |website=www.ekathimerini.com |language=English}}</ref>

==Aircraft on display==
[[File:Sécurité Civile Canadair CL-215 F-ZBBH Sinsheim, 2014.JPG|thumb|A CL-215 on static display at the [[Sinsheim Auto & Technik Museum]], Germany, in 2014]]
;Canada
* 1040 – CL-215 on static display at the [[Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre]] in [[Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Canadair CL-215 F-ZBBT |url=http://www.bushplane.com/index.php?id=aircraft-cl215 |website=Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center |access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Canadair CL-215-1A10, c/n 1040, c/r F-ZBBT |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=155756 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref>

;France
* 1005 – CL-215 cockpit on static display at the Musée de L'Hydraviation in [[Biscarrosse|Biscarrosse, Nouvelle-Aquitaine]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Canadair CL-215-1, c/n 1005, c/r F-ZBBE |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=35506 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref>
* 1023 – CL-215 on static display at the [[Musée de l'Air]] in [[Le Bourget|Le Bourget, Île-de-France]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Canadair CL-215 |url=http://www.museeairespace.fr/aller-plus-haut/collections/canadair-cl-215 |website=Musée Air + Espace |access-date=20 July 2020 |language=fr}}</ref>

;Germany
* 1021 – CL-215 on static display at the [[Technik Museum Speyer]] in [[Speyer|Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Canadair CL-215, c/n 1021, c/r F-ZBAR |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=28287 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref>
* 1026 – CL-215 on static display at the [[Sinsheim Auto & Technik Museum]] in [[Sinsheim|Sinsheim, Baden-Württemberg]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Canadair CL-215 |url=http://sinsheim.technik-museum.de/de/canadair-cl-215 |website=Technik Museum Sinsheim |access-date=20 July 2020 |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Canadair CL-215, c/n 1026, c/r F-ZBBH |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=28109 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref>

;Spain
* 1010 – CL-215 on static display at the [[Museo de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica (Madrid)|Museo de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica]] in [[Madrid]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Exposición exterior del Museo de Aeronáutica y Astronáutica |url=http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/ea/pag?idDoc=6BE8938A7DDC4556C125746C00315356 |website=Ejército del Aire |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118120622/http://www.ejercitodelaire.mde.es/ea/pag?idDoc=6BE8938A7DDC4556C125746C00315356 |archive-date=18 January 2018 |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Airframe Dossier - Canadair CL-215-1A10, s/n UD.13-1 EdA, c/n 1010, c/r EC-BXM |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=125718 |website=Aerial Visuals |access-date=20 July 2020}}</ref>

;Thailand
* 1059 – CL-215 on static display at the Naval Aviation Museum.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Darke |first1=Steve |title=Royal Thai Navy |url=http://25c6985c-24f4-44ba-a869-d01e56f1aa0d.filesusr.com/ugd/3b4903_93ccd59228f044c9949bb38d51e5b712.pdf |website=Thai Aviation |access-date=31 August 2021 |date=6 April 2021}}</ref>

==Specifications (CL-215)==
[[File:CL-215 au Québec02.JPG|thumb|A CL-215 in the [[Abitibi-Témiscamingue]] region, in the Canadian province of [[Québec]]]]
[[File:DWCL215.jpg|thumb|CL-215s belonging to the Canadian province of [[Alberta]]]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''[[Jane's All the World's Aircraft]] 1984–85'',<ref name=JAWA84-85>{{cite book |title=Jane's all the World's Aircraft 1984–85 |url=https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai8485john |url-access=registration |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=John W. R. |edition=75th |year=1984 |publisher=Jane's Publishing Co. |location=London |isbn=0-7106-0801-2 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/janesallworldsai8485john/page/22 22–23]}}</ref> ''Flight International''<ref name = "fi 272"/>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=Two
|capacity= Up to 26 forward facing seats for passenger transport
|length m=19.82
|span m=28.6
|height m=8.92
|wing area sqm=100.33
|aspect ratio=8.15
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=12160
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=19731
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=on land, {{convert|17100|kg|abbr=on}} on water
*'''Max capacity for water/retardant:''' 1,440 US gal (1200 imp gal, 5,450 L) <ref>{{cite web |title=CL-215 Aircraft {{!}} Viking's Aerial Firefighter |url=https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/aircraft/cl-215-aircraft |website=aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com |access-date=5 August 2021}}</ref>
|fuel capacity={{convert|5910|L|USgal impgal|abbr=on|1}} in two fuel tanks, of eight cells each, in the wings
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp|Pratt & Whitney R-2800-83AM]]
|eng1 type=18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines
|eng1 kw=1566

|prop blade number=3
|prop name=[[Hamilton Standard]] Hydromatic constant-speed fully feathering propeller
|prop dia m=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia ft=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia in=<!-- propeller aircraft -->
|prop dia note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kmh=291
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=at {{convert|18595|kg|abbr=on}} and {{convert|3050|m|abbr=on|-2}}
|stall speed kmh=123
|stall speed note=25° flap power off at {{convert|15603|kg|abbr=on}}
|range km=2094
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|range note=with {{convert|1587|kg|abbr=on}} payload at long-range cruise power
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=5
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=

|more performance=
|avionics=
*Dual [[Airband|VHF]] and VHF/FM comms,
* VOR/ILS receivers
* ADF
* Marker Beacon Rx
* [[Transponder (aeronautics)|Transponder]]
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation|Canada}}
{{aircontent
|see also=

|related=
* [[Canadair CL-415]]
|similar aircraft=

* [[Beriev Be-200]]
* [[Consolidated PBY Catalina]]
* [[Grumman HU-16 Albatross]]
* [[Harbin SH-5]]
* [[ShinMaywa US-1A]]

|lists=
}}

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em|refs= 
<ref name=airmedandrescue2019-06-21>{{cite news
| url       = https://www.airmedandrescue.com/story/113664/viking-deliver-six-aircraft-republic-indonesia%E2%80%99s-ministry-defence
| title       = Viking to deliver six aircraft to the Republic of Indonesia's Ministry of Defence
| work       = [[Airmed & Rescue]]
| date       = 21 June 2019
| access-date       = 20 May 2019
| quote       = The CL-515 is the next generation of the CANADAIR CL-415 – an amphibious aircraft with enhanced firefighting capabilities and the flexibility to support a wide range of critical mission operations. The Republic of Indonesia's purchase agreement also includes one CANADAIR CL-415EAF 'Enhanced Aerial Firefighter' aircraft converted from a CANADAIR CL-215 to EAF standard by Longview Aviation Capital's subsidiary, Longview Aviation Services.
}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

<ref name=Wings2019-06-24>
{{cite news
| url          = https://www.wingsmagazine.com/indonesia-to-receive-worlds-first-cl-515-in-seven-aircraft-deal-with-longview/
| title        = Indonesia to receive world's first CL-515 in seven aircraft deal with Longview
| work         = [[Wings magazine]]
| date         = 24 June 2019
| access-date   = 24 June 2019
| url-status   = live
| quote        = Longview Aviation Capital, and its subsidiary Viking Air of North Saanich, BC, reached a deal to provide the Republic of Indonesia's Ministry of Defense with seven aerial-firefighting aircraft, including one CL-415EAF and six new-production CL-515 airplanes.
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20190625024940/https://www.wingsmagazine.com/indonesia-to-receive-worlds-first-cl-515-in-seven-aircraft-deal-with-longview/
| archive-date = 25 June 2019
}}
</ref>

<ref name=skiesmag2020-03-11>
{{cite news     
| url         = https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/longviews-cl-415eaf-enhanced-aerial-firefighter-makes-inaugural-flight/
| title       = Longview's CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter makes inaugural flight
| work        = [[Skies magazine]]
| date        = 11 March 2020
| access-date  = 11 March 2020
| quote       = Manufacturer's serial number (MSN) 1081 is the first Canadair CL-215 to undergo the major modification to CL-415EAF "Enhanced Aerial Firefighter" configuration by LAS in collaboration with Cascade Aerospace.
}}
</ref>

<ref name=aerialfiremag2020-03-10>
{{cite news     
| url         = https://www.aerialfiremag.com/longviews-first-production-cl-415eaf-enhanced-aerial-firefighter-amphibious-aircraft-takes-inaugural-flight/
| title       = Longview's first production CL-415EAF "enhanced aerial firefighter" amphibious aircraft takes inaugural flight
| work        = [[Aerial Fire magazine]]
| author      = Ryan Mason
| date        = 10 March 2020
| location    = [[Abbotsford, British Columbia]]
| access-date  = 11 March 2020
}}
</ref>
}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* "Canadair CL-215". ''[[Flight International]]'', 22 February 1968. pp.&nbsp;269–272.
* Hoyle, Craig. "World Air Forces Directory". ''Flight International'', Vol. 190, No. 5566, 6–12 December 2016, pp.&nbsp;22–53. {{ISSN|0015-3710}}. 
* Keijsper, Gerard. "Water-Bombers Required!" ''[[Air Forces Monthly]]'', London: Key Publishing, July 2008.
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* Pickler, Ron and [[Larry Milberry]]. ''Canadair: The First 50 Years.'' Toronto: CANAV Books, 1995. {{ISBN|0-921022-07-7}}.
* Marsaly, Frederic and Samuel Pretat. [http://www.editions-minimonde76.com/en/ "Bombardiers d'eau/ Canadair Scoopers."] ''Editions Minimonde76,'' May 2012. {{ISBN|978-2-9541818-0-6}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://thkgokcen.com.tr/hizmetler-yangin-sondurme.html# Gokcen Aviation]{{importance-inline}}
* [http://www.insitu.gr/psoipa/afoi/capacity/cl215.htm Panhellenic Association of Families Lost in Action Aviators] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930184300/http://www.insitu.gr/psoipa/afoi/capacity/cl215.htm |date=30 September 2010 }}{{importance-inline}}
* [http://www.snopes.com/horrors/freakish/scuba.htm Snopes.com on the urban legend]{{importance-inline}}
* [http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=119 Airliners.net The Canadair CL-215 & 415]
* [https://aerialfirefighter.vikingair.com/aircraft/cl-215-aircraft CL-215 Aircraft | Viking's Aerial Firefighter]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090321014703/http://www.dfr.state.nc.us/fire_control/fc_aviation.htm North Carolina Division of Forest Resources Aviation Resources]{{importance-inline}}

{{Bombardier Aerospace}}
{{Canadair aircraft}}
{{Aircraft manufactured in Canada}}
{{Spanish liaison aircraft}}
{{Spanish transport aircraft}}
{{Thai utility aircraft designations}}

[[Category:Canadair aircraft|CL-215]]
[[Category:1960s Canadian special-purpose aircraft]]
[[Category:Flying boats]]
[[Category:Amphibious aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aerial firefighting aircraft]]
[[Category:Cruciform tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1967]]
[[Category:Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]