De Havilland Canada Boosts Production of Next-Gen Firefighting Aircraft
De Havilland Canada is ramping up production of the DHC-515 Firefighter, a modernized water bomber, to meet the rising global demand for effective wildfire suppression.
Phoro Source: Skies Magazine
De Havilland Canada is experiencing a resurgence as it takes advantage of the growing global demand for firefighting aircraft. After acquiring Bombardier’s specialized amphibious water bomber division, De Havilland is now in full production of the DHC-515 Firefighter, a modernized version of the iconic Canadair CL-415.
Production of the DHC-515 is underway at De Havilland’s Calgary, Alberta, facility, with components and subassemblies supplied from Victoria, B.C. The aircraft has already secured firm orders from a consortium of European nations, which will keep the production line active for years to come.
The DHC-515 Firefighter, designed to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires, features significant upgrades, including more powerful engines, state-of-the-art avionics, and advanced water dumping systems. This new generation of water skimming aircraft continues the legacy of its predecessors, the CL-215 and CL-415, which have been in service since the 1950s and 1960s, respectively.
As wildfires become more frequent and severe, De Havilland Canada’s renewed focus on this critical firefighting tool underscores its commitment to innovation and safety in aerial firefighting.
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