Canadair CL-215
Canadair · Canada · first flew 1967 · transport aircraft
The Canadair CL-215 is a Canadian amphibious flying boat designed specifically for aerial firefighting, capable of scooping up to 5,455 litres of water in a 12-second run on a lake or river. It is equally effective as a search-and-rescue and utility transport.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 19.82 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Flying boat water bomber with amphibious hull
- Twin radial piston engines
- Bright orange and yellow livery on most examples
Distinctive amphibious flying boat with high straight wings, twin round-cowled piston engines, a broad hull and a pronounced bow; the twin ventral floats and single hull step are characteristic features.
Specifications
- The Canadair CL-215 has a length of 19.82 m (65 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 28.6 m (94 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 376 km/h (234 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1967, the CL-215 was designed from the outset as a purpose-built water bomber rather than a converted aircraft, giving it a robust hull and excellent low-speed handling near water. It was widely adopted across southern Europe—particularly Spain, Greece, France and Italy—for fighting the summer wildfires that devastate Mediterranean forests. The aircraft became an icon of aerial firefighting.
Variants
The original CL-215 used Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial piston engines; the improved CL-215T and CL-415 variants replaced these with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123 turboprops.
Where you'll see it
Extensively operated in Spain, Greece, France, Italy, Croatia and Canada; the upgraded turboprop CL-415 successor continues in service with many of the same operators.
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- Canadair CF-5 Freedom Fighter
- Canadair CF-5A Freedom Fighter
- Canadair CL-84 Dynavert
- Canadair CF-104D
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- Beriev Be-30/32
- Dornier Do 31
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