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DHC-515: DE Havilland Canada's New Amphibious Water Bomber

Introduction

As part of a major acquisition, De Havilland Canada (DHC) recently purchased Bombardier's specialized amphibious water bomber business. The acquisition includes the DHC-515, a newly built water bomber aircraft that is expected to enter service in 2023.

DHC-515 Specifications and Features

The DHC-515 is a single-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop aircraft. It is designed to perform a variety of firefighting missions, including initial attack, fire suppression, and water delivery.

The aircraft's key features include:

• A 3,000-gallon water tank
• A top speed of 300 knots
• A range of 1,200 nautical miles
• The ability to land on both land and water

Benefits of the DHC-515

The DHC-515 offers several benefits over other water bombers, including:

• Its amphibious capabilities allow it to operate from both land and water, giving it greater flexibility in fighting fires.
• Its high speed and range allow it to quickly reach and respond to fires.
• Its large water tank capacity allows it to deliver a significant amount of water to fires.

Conclusion

The DHC-515 is a state-of-the-art water bomber aircraft that is expected to play a major role in fighting wildfires around the world. Its amphibious capabilities, high speed, and large water tank capacity make it an ideal aircraft for fighting fires in remote and challenging areas.