New Waterbomber to Fight Growing Wildfires Globally

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more severe in many parts of the world. These fires destroy homes, forests, and wildlife, and they pose serious threats to human life. Governments and firefighting agencies are increasingly looking for advanced tools to combat these fires efficiently.

One of the most effective tools is a waterbomber aircraft, which can drop large amounts of water directly onto the flames.

To meet this growing need, De Havilland Canada has developed a new aircraft called the DHC 515, specifically designed to fight wildfires. The DHC 515 is an amphibious aircraft, meaning it can take off from and land on both water and land, making it versatile and highly effective in firefighting operations.

Background of Waterbombers

Waterbombers have been used for decades to fight wildfires. Previous models like the CL-215 and CL-415 have been successful in helping firefighting agencies worldwide. These planes can scoop water from lakes, rivers, or oceans and drop it directly over fires, saving valuable time compared to trucks or ground-based methods.

However, as wildfires grow larger and more frequent due to climate change and global warming, firefighting agencies require more advanced aircraft. This led De Havilland Canada to design the DHC 515, which is faster, more powerful, and more precise than older models.

Features of the DHC 515

• The DHC 515 has several improvements over earlier waterbombers:
• Advanced Avionics: Modern flight systems help pilots navigate safely and accurately, even in smoky and dangerous conditions.
• Precise Water-Drop Systems: The aircraft can control how much water is dropped and where, which increases the effectiveness of firefighting efforts.
• Enhanced Rudder Control: Improved maneuverability allows the plane to fly close to fires without losing stability.
• Air Conditioning: Pilots can work comfortably during long missions, which is especially important in hot, smoky, and stressful conditions.
• Larger Water Capacity: The DHC 515 can carry 1,400 gallons of water at a time, and it can refill its tanks quickly from nearby water sources.
• These features make the DHC 515 safer, more reliable, and more effective at fighting fires than older waterbombers.

How the Aircraft Works

• The DHC 515 operates in a very efficient manner. The process works like this:
• The aircraft approaches a lake, river, or other water source.
• It uses two probes beneath its hull to scoop up water.
• The DHC 515 can collect 1,400 gallons (5,443 liters) of water in just 8 to 12 seconds.
• After refilling, it flies to the wildfire and drops the water precisely where it is most needed.

This rapid refill capability allows the DHC 515 to perform multiple drops in a single operational period, often carrying out 70 to 80 water drops over a four-hour mission. This makes it a very efficient tool in combating large wildfires that cover many acres of land.

Global Demand for Waterbombers

The increasing frequency of wildfires around the world has created high demand for specialized firefighting aircraft like the DHC 515. Countries facing recurring wildfires are seeking modern and reliable planes to supplement their firefighting capabilities.

De Havilland Canada has received 31 confirmed orders for the DHC 515, with the first deliveries expected to begin in 2028. The initial customer is Greece, which will receive the first aircraft to help fight wildfires in the Mediterranean region. Other orders have come from countries including Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, France, and Canada.

In Canada, the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba have ordered nine aircraft. Collectively, these orders show that governments are recognizing the importance of advanced waterbombers to protect forests, communities, and infrastructure from increasing wildfire threats.

Pilot Experience and Feedback

Pilots who have flown older models of waterbombers have expressed enthusiasm about the DHC 515. According to Scott Blue, a pilot with Bridger Aerospace in Montana, USA:

"It's a pilot's airplane. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't enjoy flying it."

The DHC 515’s powerful engines and advanced control systems allow pilots to perform precise maneuvers, fly low to the ground, and deliver water exactly where it is needed. This precision and reliability make it a valuable asset in both small and large-scale wildfire operations.

Production and Delivery Timeline

De Havilland Canada plans to conduct the first flight of the DHC 515 in 2027. This flight will test the aircraft’s capabilities, including its water-scooping system, flight stability, and maneuverability over fire-prone areas.

After successful testing and certification, the first aircraft will be delivered in 2028 to Greece. Other countries are expected to receive their deliveries shortly afterward, depending on the production schedule. De Havilland is working hard to meet global demand, which could increase significantly as more countries experience severe wildfires due to climate change.

Advantages of the DHC 515

• The DHC 515 offers several advantages over older firefighting methods and aircraft:
• Speed: Can reach fire locations faster than ground-based equipment.
• Precision: Can drop water exactly where it is needed, reducing water waste.
• Versatility: Can land on water or land, making it usable in multiple environments.
• Multiple Refills: Quick water scooping allows continuous firefighting during long missions.
• Safety: Modern design reduces pilot fatigue and improves aircraft stability in difficult conditions.
• These advantages make the DHC 515 an essential tool for firefighting agencies in countries facing frequent wildfires.

Environmental and Human Impact

Wildfires not only destroy property but also release harmful smoke, destroy wildlife habitats, and affect air quality over wide areas. Waterbombers like the DHC 515 help control the spread of fires, minimizing environmental damage and protecting human communities.

Efficient firefighting can reduce the economic cost of wildfires, which includes rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and forests. It also saves lives and reduces the number of injuries during wildfire events.

Challenges in Wildfire Fighting

• Despite advanced tools like the DHC 515, wildfire fighting remains extremely challenging. Some of the main difficulties include:
• Rapidly Changing Fire Conditions: Wind, dry conditions, and terrain can cause fires to spread quickly.
• Limited Water Sources: Some remote areas may not have lakes or rivers nearby.
• Smoke and Visibility: Thick smoke can make flying dangerous.
• High Temperatures: Pilots often face extreme heat, which adds stress to long missions.

The DHC 515 helps address some of these challenges with its high capacity, fast refill rate, and precision systems, but teamwork with ground crews and other emergency services is essential for success.

• Future of Wildfire Management
• The development of the DHC 515 is part of a broader global effort to improve wildfire management. Countries are investing in:
• Modern firefighting aircraft
• Early warning systems for wildfires
• Better training for pilots and ground crews
• Community preparedness programs to reduce risks for residents

As climate change increases the intensity and frequency of wildfires, tools like the DHC 515 will play a critical role in protecting lives, property, and the environment.

The DHC 515 waterbomber represents a major step forward in fighting wildfires. Its advanced features, speed, and precision make it one of the most capable firefighting aircraft available today. With growing orders from countries worldwide and the first delivery expected in 2028, the DHC 515 is poised to help combat one of the most serious natural disasters affecting communities and forests globally.

By combining modern aviation technology with emergency response efforts, the DHC 515 will allow countries to respond more quickly and effectively to wildfires, protecting both human lives and the environment. As wildfires continue to pose a global threat, innovations like this aircraft are essential for safer, more efficient, and more effective wildfire management.

De Havilland Canada