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Aviation News Viking launches the CL-415EAF firebomber conversion program

Viking launches the CL-415EAF firebomber conversion program

Emilie Drab
23 MAY 2018 | 377 words
Viking launches the CL-415EAF firebomber conversion program
© Viking
Before launching a new water bomber programme, Viking has decided to implement a conversion program to take care of the obsolescence of its oldest CL-215s and CL-415s. Launched on 7th May for deliveries from 2020, the CL-415EAF (Enhanced Aerial Fighter) will initially be produced based on the little-used CL-215s. The modification work will be carried out by Viking's sister company, Longview Aviation Asset Management (LAAM), in Calgary with kits supplied by the Canadian aircraft manufacturer.

The CL-415EAF will reuse the CL-415's winglets, finlets (auxiliary drift on the elevator aileron), improved operational mass and increased water and flame retardant transport capacities. It will, however, have modernised avionics (LAAM is in the final supplier selection phase) and an air conditioning system on the flight deck. Certain components will be modernised to prevent the fleet from becoming obsolescent and improvements will also be made to the anti-corrosion protection. Finally, it may be equipped with optional specific kits for special or humanitarian missions (for example, a large cargo door or an installation for medical evacuations).

LAAM has already selected eleven CL-215s which are part of its portfolio to launch the conversion program. It has also launched the recruitment of 150 technical and support personnel to carry out the work. For its part, Viking has recruited fifty people to produce the conversion kits in Victoria and is getting ready to hire another fifty. It is also preparing to re-open the Viking Academy, a program which will provide the specific training needed for the CL-415EAF programme.

LAAM and Viking have still gone looking for support (to develop innovative technologies and training) outside their group, at local colleges and companies, in particular with the South Alberta Institute of Technology or members of British Columbia's Technology Super Cluster.

While the CL-415EAF will enable the modernisation of the fleet of water bombers in service, Viking is emphasising that the program will first and foremost be a first step towards the launch of a completely new program of fire-fighting aircraft, the CL-515. The CL-415EAF will enable new technologies to be unearthed, which Viking will then be able to use. The first steps, to finance development, for example, have already been launched.
Emilie Drab
Assistant editor
Civil aerospace, Air transport


 
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