The story
The CL-415 is a purpose-built firefighting amphibian, developed from the piston CL-215 with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW123AF turboprops, a modern cockpit and aerodynamic changes including winglets. It first flew in December 1993 and deliveries began in November 1994. It skims a lake or the sea at about 70 knots, scoops roughly 6,100 litres of water in about twelve seconds and carries it straight to the fire. Bombardier built 95 before closing the line in 2015, and De Havilland Canada is now building its successor, the DHC-515.
Its engines sit closer to the fuselage than the CL-215's, so to restore stability it carries an unusual upside-down fixed slat in front of the right-hand horizontal stabilizer.
Quick answers
How do you identify a CL-415?
A boat-hulled, high-wing amphibian with two turboprops and a tall fin, often painted yellow and red. Turboprop nacelles and winglets separate it from the original piston CL-215, with its round radial engines; the few CL-215Ts converted to turboprops look almost the same and share its type code. In fire season, watch for several flying low circuits between a lake and a column of smoke.
What does a CL-415 sound like?
Two PW123 turboprops working hard, loudest as it climbs off the water.
How big is the CL-415?
It is 65 ft 0 in long and 93 ft 11 in across the wings.
When did the CL-415 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1993.
How many CL-415s have been built?
95 built.
How rare is a CL-415 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first CL-415 catch is worth 25 points.
