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 under scrutiny to place a bulk order for these planes.
De Havilland, based in Calgary, has decided to restart production of the Canadair after acquiring the water bomber program. These planes were previously manufactured by Bombardier until 2015. The production of these world-renowned aircraft involves hand-built assembly in Calgary, sourcing parts from various locations across Canada. The revived production line, announced in 2022, is progressing well, with the first two aircraft expected to be completed and delivered by early 2028.
Amid current shortages and aging fleets, Canadian premiers and European leaders are eager to secure these aircraft. The Canadair aircraft, introduced in the 1960s, were specifically designed for combating large wildfires in the Canadian wilderness. Their unique design allows them to maneuver through narrow canyons at low altitudes and swiftly scoop thousands of liters of water from lakes, rivers, and oceans.
The latest iteration of the Super Scooper closely resembles its predecessors, featuring high wings spanning 30 meters, a 6,100-liter water tank, and the iconic yellow and red exterior. Political leaders in France and Spain have faced criticism for insufficient operational Canadairs, leading to concerns about their readiness to tackle wildfires and extreme weather events.
De Havilland is facing significant demand for these water bombers and is contemplating the construction of a second production line to meet the growing needs. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is collaborating with provincial counterparts and the federal government to facilitate a firm order from Ottawa, which would provide the necessary certainty for De Havilland to expand production.
Currently, De Havilland can manufacture about 10 water bombers annually at full capacity, with plans to increase output to 20 per year with a second production line. The company already has orders for 38 water bombers, with delivery timelines extending to 2032-2033. The Canadairs require a multitude of parts, with approximately 80% sourced from Canada, and some production equipment dating back to the 1960s.
According to aviation expert John Gradek from McGill University, there is a pressing need for additional production lines for Canadairs, as countries worldwide are struggling to address wildfires with limited access to new water bombers. The escalating demand is driven by climate change impacts that have heightened the frequency and intensity of wildfires globally.
If De Havilland fails to meet the soaring demand, there is a risk that foreign competitors may develop their own firefighting aircraft, posing a threat to Canadian manufacturing jobs. The federal government’s focus on enhancing the national economy and domestic manufacturing underscores the importance of sustaining the Canadair production.
A recent Senate report recommended establishing a national fleet of modern firefighting aircraft to combat the escalating wildfire threat in Canada. While aircraft play a crucial role in wildfire management by slowing fire spread and supporting ground crews, they are not a standalone solution. Collaboration between different firefighting units is essential for effective wildfire response and mitigation efforts.
The federal government remains committed to enhancing Canada’s wildfire response capabilities amid increasingly severe fire seasons. Close coordination with provincial and territorial partners is crucial to bolstering the nation’s resilience in the face of wildfire challenges.
