Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Greece’s Hellenic Air Force (HAF) has taken delivery of the first of two Bombardier* 415* MP in Search and Rescue (SAR) configuration. The aircraft, which had been sold previously to the HAF, has been modified as part of a development performed in cooperation with SAAB Nyge Aero AB of Sweden.
A variant of the rugged Bombardier 415, widely known as the most productive fire fighting aircraft in service, the Bombardier 415 MP incorporates numerous modifications to perform surveillance missions, with the additional benefit of direct interventions at sea. Typical missions include search and rescue, maritime patrol, law enforcement and environmental control.
The Bombardier 415 MP retains the capability to carry, drop and scoop over 6,100 litres (1,600 US gallons) of water. It is fitted with sophisticated sensors to locate and identify vessels, people in distress, and pollutants. The sensor suite includes infrared and daylight cameras, a side-looking airborne radar and a nose-mounted weather and search radar. The most innovative feature of the Bombardier 415 MP is its ability to quickly deploy a specialized jet boat that can carry a rapid intervention teams of five persons at over 80 km/h. The design of the mission equipment allows reconfiguration of the aircraft to transport cargo, personnel, casualties on stretchers, paratroops or underwater divers, in less than two hours.
“The Bombardier 415 MP is a very capable and cost-effective aircraft able to carry out a multitude of specialized missions that previously required dedicated aircraft,” said Michel Bourgeois, President, Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft. “The advent of this new model reflects both the growing market interest in multipurpose platforms to perform a broad range of tasks in public security and civil protection, as well as Bombardier’s commitment to enhancing the value proposition of its products through continuing investment.”
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2004, were $21.3 billion Cdn and its shares are traded on the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and BBDd.F). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com
*Trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries
Information :
Stéphane Leroy
Bombardier Aerospace
Montréal : (514) 855-7820