Amidst a challenging 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, and on the government to place a large order for these planes.
De Havilland, based in Calgary, is resurrecting the production of Canadair after acquiring the program from Bombardier in 2015. The renowned aircraft are meticulously crafted by hand in Calgary, with components sourced from various locations across Canada. The revival of the production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft scheduled for completion and delivery by early 2028.
Leaders in Canada and Europe are eager to secure these aircraft due to current shortages and aging fleets. The Canadair amphibious firefighting plane, originally introduced in the 1960s, was specifically designed for combatting large fires in the Canadian wilderness. Its unique capabilities allow it to maneuver through narrow canyons at low altitudes and swiftly scoop up thousands of liters of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
The latest version of the Super Scooper remains faithful to its predecessors, boasting a 30-meter wingspan, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the iconic yellow and red exterior. Political figures in France, Spain, and Canada have faced criticism for the inadequate availability of operational Canadairs, impacting their readiness to combat wildfires and extreme weather conditions.
De Havilland is feeling the heat to meet the escalating demand for these water bombers. The company is contemplating establishing a second production line alongside ongoing efforts at existing facilities. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is collaborating with provincial and federal authorities to facilitate a substantial order from Ottawa, which could catalyze the commencement of a second production line.
At full capacity, De Havilland can currently produce about 10 water bombers annually, with projections to double output to 20 per year with a second line. The company already has orders for 38 water bombers, with delivery timelines extending into 2032-2033. The majority of Canadair’s components are sourced domestically, with some equipment on the production line dating back to the 1960s.
Aviation expert John Gradek emphasizes the urgent need for additional production lines to meet the soaring demand for Canadairs globally. The intensifying wildfire crisis and scarcity of modern water bombers have spurred interest in these aircraft worldwide, driven by the effects of climate change.
De Havilland has not disclosed the specific cost of a Canadair, but estimates suggest it hovers around $80 million per aircraft, aligning with government indications. Failure to meet the escalating demand could potentially lead to foreign competitors developing their own firefighting aircraft, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs.
The imperative for a robust national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft, as recommended in a recent Senate report, underscores the critical need for enhanced firefighting capabilities in Canada. While aircraft play a pivotal role in wildfire response by aiding in containment efforts and supporting ground crews, they are not a standalone solution. Collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial authorities is essential to bolster national preparedness for increasingly severe wildfire seasons.