As wildfires continue to ravage Canada, the United States, and Europe, there is mounting pressure on De Havilland, the manufacturer of the Canadair “Super Scooper” water bombers, to ramp up production. The federal government is also being urged to place a large order for the planes.
De Havilland, based in Calgary, has decided to restart production of the Canadair after acquiring the water bomber program from Bombardier in 2015. The iconic aircraft are meticulously hand-built in Calgary using parts from various locations across the country. The relaunched production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft expected to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
With current shortages and aging fleets, Canadian premiers and European leaders are eager to acquire these aircraft. Originally introduced in the 1960s, the Canadair amphibious firefighting plane was specifically designed for combating large wildfires in the Canadian wilderness. Its unique capabilities enable it to maneuver through narrow canyons at low altitudes and swiftly scoop up thousands of liters of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
The latest iteration of the Super Scooper closely resembles previous Canadair models, featuring expansive high wings, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the signature yellow and red color scheme.
Recently, politicians in France and Spain have criticized their governments for inadequate operational Canadairs, impacting their ability to combat wildfires effectively. Various Canadian provincial leaders, including Manitoba’s Wab Kinew, have expressed frustration over the lack of new water bombers in recent summers.
The surge in demand has prompted De Havilland to evaluate the possibility of establishing a second production line to meet the growing need. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is collaborating with provincial and federal authorities to facilitate a substantial order from Ottawa, which could pave the way for the construction of a second production line.
At full capacity, De Havilland can manufacture approximately 10 water bombers annually, with plans to double output to 20 per year with a second line. The company currently has orders for 38 water bombers, with delivery timelines stretching to 2032-2033. The Canadair production involves a vast array of components, with about 80% sourced from Canadian suppliers, some of which date back to the 1960s.
Aviation expert John Gradek from McGill University emphasizes the urgent need for additional production lines to meet global demand for Canadair water bombers. The escalating requirement for firefighting aircraft worldwide, driven by climate change, underscores the critical necessity for enhanced firefighting capabilities.
If De Havilland fails to address the burgeoning demand, Gradek warns of potential competition from foreign firms developing rival firefighting aircraft, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs. The federal government’s focus on boosting the national economy and supporting domestic manufacturing is crucial to sustain Canada’s firefighting aircraft industry.
A Senate report released in June advocates for establishing a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to tackle the escalating wildfire crisis in Canada. While the government has leased 10 airplanes and helicopters to assist provincial wildfire crews this season, the demand for aerial firefighting units remains high.
Aircraft play a crucial role in wildfire containment by slowing the fire’s spread, establishing boundaries, and reducing heat to aid ground crews. However, they are not a standalone solution, as effective firefighting also requires prevention and mitigation strategies. The federal government is committed to enhancing Canada’s wildfire response capabilities and collaborating with provinces and territories to mitigate the impacts of wildfires.