The Canadair CL-215 (Scooper) is the first model in a series of flying boat amphibious aircraft designed and built by Canadian aircraft manufacturer Canadair, and later produced by 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 onset as a water bomber.
The CL-215 is a twin-engine, high-wing aircraft, that was designed during 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 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.
Manufacturer: Canadair
First flight: 23 October 1967
Introduction: 1969
Status: In service
Primary users: Canada, Greece, Spain, United States
Produced: 1969–1990
Number built: 125
General characteristics
Crew: Two
Capacity: Up to 26 forward facing seats for passenger transport
Length: 19.82 m (65 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 28.6 m (93 ft 10 in)
Height: 8.92 m (29 ft 3 in)
Wing area: 100.33 m2 (1,079.9 sq ft)
Aspect ratio: 8.15
Empty weight: 12,160 kg (26,808 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 19,731 kg (43,499 lb) on land, 17,100 kg (37,700 lb) on water
Max capacity for water/retardant: 1,440 US gallons (5,450 L)
Fuel capacity: 5,910 l (1,561.3 US gal; 1,300.0 imp gal) in two fuel tanks, of eight cells each, in the wings
Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-2800-83AM 18-cyl air-cooled radial piston engines, 1,566 kW (2,100 hp) each
Propellers: 3-bladed Hamilton Standard Hydromatic constant-speed fully feathering propeller
Performance
Cruise speed: 291 km/h (181 mph, 157 kn) at 18,595 kg (40,995 lb) and 3,050 m (10,010 ft)
Stall speed: 123 km/h (76 mph, 66 kn) 25° flap power off at 15,603 kg (34,399 lb)
Range: 2,094 km (1,301 mi, 1,131 nmi) with 1,587 kg (3,499 lb) payload at long-range cruise power
Rate of climb: 5.0833 m/s (1,000.65 ft/min)
