As wildfires ravage Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on the manufacturer of Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers to ramp up production. De Havilland, based in Calgary, has restarted the production of Canadair after acquiring the program from Bombardier in 2015.
The Canadair aircraft, renowned worldwide for their firefighting capabilities, are meticulously handcrafted in Calgary using components from across Canada. With the revival of production announced in 2022, the first two aircraft are currently in progress and are set to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
Amidst shortages and aging fleets, Canadian premiers and European leaders are eager to acquire these aircraft. Originally designed in the 1960s for combating wildfires in the Canadian wilderness, the Canadair planes are specifically tailored for firefighting missions, unlike other modified aircraft.
The latest iteration of the Super Scooper will closely resemble its predecessors, featuring a 30-meter wingspan, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the iconic yellow and red exterior. The political landscape is heating up, with opposition in France and Spain criticizing their leaders for insufficient operational Canadairs, impacting disaster response capabilities.
De Havilland is under immense pressure to meet the surging demand and is contemplating the establishment of a second production line to augment the current output. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is advocating for a substantial order from the federal government to support De Havilland’s expansion plans.
With existing orders for 38 water bombers and delivery timelines stretching to 2032-2033, De Havilland’s production capacity can produce around 10 units annually, with plans to double output through a second assembly line. The Canadair’s intricate construction involves tens of thousands of parts, with a majority sourced locally in Canada.
Aviation expert John Gradek underscores the urgent need for additional production lines to meet global demand fueled by worsening wildfire incidents due to climate change. The potential emergence of foreign competitors poses a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs, emphasizing the critical role of domestic production in sustaining the Canadair legacy.
A Senate report urging the creation of a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft aligns with efforts to enhance wildfire response capabilities in Canada. The federal government’s recent leasing of airplanes and helicopters to aid provincial wildfire response underscores the importance of aerial firefighting units as part of a comprehensive wildfire management strategy.
As the world grapples with escalating wildfire risks, the necessity for enhanced firefighting resources, including advanced water bombers like the Canadair, remains paramount. The federal government’s commitment to bolstering wildfire response capabilities underscores the collaborative efforts needed to mitigate the growing impacts of wildfires on communities.