In the midst of a severe 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. Calgary-based De Havilland, now in possession of the water bomber program, has decided to restart production of the Canadair, which was previously manufactured by Bombardier until 2015.
The iconic Canadair aircraft, renowned for its firefighting capabilities, is being hand-built primarily in Calgary using parts sourced from across the country. The revival of production, initiated in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft currently under construction and set to be delivered by early 2028.
With a growing urgency for the aircraft due to shortages and aging fleets, Canadian premiers and European leaders are eager to secure these firefighting assets. The Canadair, originally introduced in the 1960s, was specifically designed for combatting large wildfires in the Canadian wilderness, excelling in maneuvering through narrow canyons and swiftly scooping up water from natural sources.
The latest iteration of the Super Scooper closely resembles its predecessors, featuring a 30-meter wingspan, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the iconic yellow and red exterior. Political figures in France and Spain have recently criticized their governments for insufficient operational Canadairs, highlighting the critical need for enhanced wildfire response capabilities.
De Havilland is facing increasing demands for the Canadair and is contemplating the establishment of a second production line to meet the soaring requests. Efforts are underway to collaborate with provincial and federal authorities to facilitate a substantial order that would enable the commencement of a secondary production line.
Currently, De Havilland has the capacity to produce around 10 water bombers annually, with plans to double the output to 20 per year with the implementation of a second line. While the company has secured orders for 38 aircraft, new orders are scheduled for delivery between 2032 and 2033, reflecting the high demand for these specialized firefighting assets.
Recognizing the pressing global need for effective firefighting equipment, experts emphasize the critical necessity for additional production lines for the Canadair. The possibility of foreign competitors entering the market with rival products poses a real threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs, underlining the importance of sustained production of the Canadair.
Emphasizing the urgent requirement for enhanced firefighting resources, aviation specialists stress the unparalleled effectiveness of Canadair water bombers in combating wildfires. With global demand escalating due to climate change-driven disasters, the imperative for advanced firefighting capabilities has never been more pronounced.
In light of the escalating demand for water bombers, particularly in the face of worsening wildfire scenarios, the Canadian government is urged to bolster the national fleet with modern firefighting aircraft. While aircraft play a crucial role in wildfire response, it is essential to acknowledge that they are just one component of a comprehensive firefighting strategy, complementing ground crews and preventive measures in mitigating wildfire risks.