In the midst of an intense wildfire season in Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers to ramp up production. Calgary-based De Havilland, which recently acquired the water bomber program, is reviving the production of Canadair planes that were previously built by Bombardier until 2015.
These renowned aircraft are meticulously hand-built in Calgary, with components sourced from across the country. The revival of the production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft currently under construction and scheduled for completion and delivery by early 2028.
Amid existing shortages and aging fleets, Canadian premiers and European leaders are eager to acquire these aircraft. Originally designed in the 1960s for battling large wildfires in the Canadian wilderness, the Canadair amphibious firefighting planes are specifically tailored for firefighting purposes, unlike other aircraft that are often retrofitted for water carrying capabilities.
The upcoming Super Scooper model will closely resemble its predecessors, featuring a 30-meter wingspan, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the iconic yellow and red exterior. The political leadership in France and Spain has faced criticism for the insufficient availability of operational Canadairs, impacting their ability to combat wildfires effectively.
De Havilland is facing significant demand for these aircraft and is contemplating the establishment of a second production line to meet the needs of various provinces and countries. The company is in discussions with the Canadian government for a bulk order of 50 aircraft, which would prompt the initiation of a second production line.
Currently, De Havilland can produce around 10 water bombers annually at full capacity, with plans to double this output through a second production line. The company already has orders for 38 water bombers, with delivery timelines extending to 2032-2033 due to the intricate manufacturing process involving tens of thousands of parts, predominantly sourced from Canada.
Aviation expert John Gradek emphasizes the urgent requirement for additional production lines to meet the soaring global demand for water bombers, especially in the face of escalating wildfires driven by climate change. Failure to address this demand could lead to foreign competitors developing their own firefighting aircraft, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs.
With a price tag estimated at around $80 million per aircraft, De Havilland’s Canadair remains a vital asset for firefighting efforts worldwide. The potential establishment of a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft, as recommended by a recent Senate report, underscores the importance of bolstering firefighting capabilities to combat the increasing intensity of wildfire seasons.
The federal government’s commitment to enhancing wildfire response capabilities and collaborating with provincial and territorial counterparts reflects a collective effort to mitigate the impact of wildfires and safeguard communities from the growing threat posed by wildfires.
