As wildfires ravage Canada, the United States, and Europe, pressure mounts on the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers to ramp up production. Calgary-based De Havilland, now in charge of the water bomber program, is reviving the production of Canadair planes, previously made by Bombardier until 2015.
The iconic Canadair aircraft, renowned globally for their firefighting capabilities, are meticulously handcrafted in Calgary using parts sourced nationwide. The revival of the production line, announced in 2022, is yielding results with the first two planes progressing as scheduled for completion and delivery in early 2028.
Amidst shortages and aging fleets, Canadian premiers and European leaders are eager to acquire these aircraft. The Canadair, first introduced in the 1960s, was specially designed for combatting wildfires in the vast Canadian wilderness. Its unique features enable it to maneuver through narrow canyons at low altitudes and swiftly collect thousands of liters of water from natural sources.
Recent criticism from opposition politicians in France and Spain highlights the urgency for operational Canadairs to combat extreme weather and wildfires effectively. The demand for these water bombers is so high that De Havilland is contemplating establishing a second production line to meet the overwhelming requests.
With existing orders for 38 water bombers and delivery wait times stretching to 2032-2033, De Havilland faces the challenge of meeting the soaring demand. The aviation expert, John Gradek, underscores the necessity for additional production lines to address the global demand for modern firefighting aircraft in the face of escalating wildfires due to climate change.
If De Havilland fails to meet the increasing demand, there is a looming threat of foreign competitors developing their firefighting aircraft, potentially jeopardizing Canadian manufacturing jobs. The federal government’s emphasis on bolstering domestic manufacturing and enhancing the national economy underscores the significance of sustaining the production of Canadair water bombers.
As nations worldwide grapple with the escalating threat of wildfires, the need for modern firefighting aircraft is more pressing than ever. The Canadair water bombers, with their proven track record spanning six decades, are pivotal in the fight against wildfires, underlining the critical role of these aircraft in global firefighting efforts.