February 3, 2010 - Bombardier Aerospace announced the sale of Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft to an undisclosed customer. The customer’s identity and the number of aircraft remain undisclosed for the time being. Based on current list price, the contract is valued at approximately $126 million US and includes training and technical support. Deliveries of the aircraft will begin during the fourth quarter of 2010 and will continue until 2012. 

As the industry benchmark, the Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft is the backbone of firefighting missions around the globe. Launched in 1994, this high-wing, all-metal amphibian remains the only aircraft specifically designed for aerial firefighting. Its proven technology and fire-extinguishing power make it the most effective machine for the job. 

The Bombardier 415 aircraft the most modern, efficient and productive amphibious aircraft can also be configured for; humanitarian relief, maritime search and rescue, surveillance and personnel transport. The Bombardier 415 aircraft offers outstanding maneuverability, small turning radius, steep descent rate and low speed for precision dropping sustained aerial firefighting.

		Known as the Superscooper U.S., this world-renowned firefighter adapts to the roughest terrain. It lands on unpaved runways, lakes, rivers and seas, enabling both rapid initial attacks to extinguish fires and sustained attacks to contain fires.  The Bombardier 415 aircraft takes only 12 seconds to scoop its 6,137-litre (1,621-US-gallon) load while skimming at high speed over water, travelling at 130 km/h (70 knots) and 410 meters (1,350 feet). It delivers repeated direct attacks, with foam suppressant added to its load, without returning to an airfield.   The advanced Bombardier 415 aircraft scoops water from sites that are only two meters (6.5 feet) deep and 90 meters (300 feet) wide. When the water site is too small for a full pick-up, the Bombardier 415 takes a partial load and returns to the fire. The aircraft doesn’t need a straight scooping path. Since the aircraft is still in "flying" mode while scooping, pilots can easily maneuver around river bends or visible obstacles in the water.

“Since its launch in 1994, the Bombardier 415 aircraft has consistently proved itself to be a reliable and effective firefighting tool. The aircraft’s unique operational capabilities and exceptional performance allow it to operate in the most rugged and demanding of circumstances, and is recognized around the world as the most effective firefighting aircraft available,” said Michel Bourgeois, President, Bombardier Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft. 

Since the first Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft was delivered in 1994, a total of four Bombardier 415 MP and 71 Bombardier 415 aircraft have been delivered to governments and firefighting agencies in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, Ontario, Québec and Spain. In addition, 66 CL-215 amphibious piston aircraft remain in service. 

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2009, were $19.7 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).