Today, Bombardier Aerospace announced the sale of four Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft to an undisclosed customer. In addition to purchasing the four firefighting aircraft, the customer also purchased additional special mission equipment items to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities.
The value of the order based on the aircraft list price is approximately $118.2 million U.S and will include spare parts provisioning, training and technical support. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin during the last quarter of fiscal year ended January 31, 2008, and will continue until 2010.
“Since its launch in 1994, the Bombardier 415 has consistently proved itself to be a reliable and effective firefighting tool. The aircraft’s unique operational capabilities and exceptional performance allow it to operate in the most rugged and demanding of circumstances, and is recognized around the world as the most effective firefighting aircraft available,” said Michel Bourgeois, President, Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft.
“Having just gone through a summer that saw many areas around the world ravaged by forest fires, it is evident that the Bombardier 415 aircraft, designed specifically for aerial firefighting, has a crucial role to play in the containment and suppression of fire. In addition, the aircraft’s specialized capabilities were key in various humanitarian relief missions around the world over the years,” added Mr. Bourgeois.
Since the first Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft was delivered in 1994, 65 Bombardier 415 aircraft have been delivered to firefighting agencies in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Ontario, Québec and Spain. In addition, 67 CL-215 amphibious piston aircraft remain in service fighting fires.
The Bombardier 415 firefighter aircraft has a maximum speed of 224 mph (359 km/h). In an average mission of six nautical miles (11 kilometres) distance from water to fire, it can complete nine drops within an hour and deliver 14,589 U.S. gallons (55,233 litres) of fire suppressant.
The aircraft is also offered in a multi-purpose version, the Bombardier 415MP, which can be used in a variety of specialized missions such as search and rescue, maritime patrol and environmental protection. Currently, a Greek Bombardier 415 aircraft is equipped with the MP configuration.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2007, were $14.8 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, 415, 415MP and CL-215 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information:
Sylvie Gauthier
Bombardier Aerospace
(514) 855-7983