Canada, the United States, and Europe are facing a challenging wildfire season, prompting calls for increased production of Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers. De Havilland, based in Calgary, has restarted production of the Canadair planes after acquiring the program from Bombardier in 2015.
These renowned aircraft are hand-built in Calgary using parts from across Canada. The revived production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft expected to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
Canadian and European officials are eager to acquire the Canadair aircraft, given current shortages and aging fleets. Originally developed in the 1960s for firefighting in the Canadian wilderness, the Canadair is known for its ability to scoop water from lakes and rivers for firefighting purposes.
The latest version of the Super Scooper retains the classic features of past Canadair models, including a 30-meter wingspan, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the iconic yellow and red exterior. Political pressure is mounting on leaders in France and Spain due to insufficient operational Canadairs, affecting readiness for wildfire emergencies.
De Havilland is facing high demand for the Canadair and is contemplating the establishment of a second production line to meet the needs of global customers. The company is currently capable of producing around 10 water bombers annually, with plans to double production capacity with a second line.
With existing orders for 38 water bombers, De Havilland’s delivery timeline for new orders stretches between 2032 and 2033. The Canadair production involves numerous parts, with the majority sourced from Canada, some of which date back to the 1960s.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for additional Canadair production lines to address the global demand for efficient firefighting aircraft. Failure to meet this demand could lead to foreign competitors developing their own firefighting planes, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs.
A Senate report released in June recommends the creation of a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to combat wildfires in Canada. While aircraft play a crucial role in fire suppression efforts, they are just one component of a comprehensive firefighting strategy that includes ground crews, prevention, and mitigation measures.
