Bombardier 415MP Delivered to Malaysia

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has received the first of two Bombardier 415MP amphibious aircraft, which it ordered from Bombardier in June 2008.

With the delivery of this first aircraft, Malaysia becomes the launch customer for the 415MP version of the aircraft, and the first Southeast Asian country to use amphibious aircraft for maritime enforcement (further north, Japan has long been using amphibious maritime patrol aircraft).

The multi-purpose Bombardier 415MP can be used in a variety of specialised missions such as search and rescue, environmental protection, coastal patrol and transportation. It is fitted with sophisticated sensors to locate and identify vessels, people in distress and pollutants.

Malaysia’s deputy prime minister, who is also the minister responsible for the MMEA, described the delivery of the aircraft as “a major development for MMEA in becoming a credible maritime enforcement agency in the region.” He commented that the new aircraft (as well as three new medium helicopters) would provide the country with much greater security in guarding its extensive coastline. He added that the aircraft’s presence sent a signal to anyone trying to break Malaysia’s maritime laws.

The twin turboprop Bombardier 415 was developed from the turboprop Canadair CL415, which itself derived from the original piston-engined CL215. The aircraft was originally designed as a water bomber for firefighting.

The new 415MP retains the firefighting capability of the CL415 and can scoop as much as 6,000 litres of water in 12 seconds while flying just above the water’s surface. Because the aircraft scoops while flying, it can negotiate bends or obstacles and only requires a water depth of two metres.

The Bombardier 415 (CL415) is in service with authorities in Canada (17 aircraft), France (12 aircraft), Greece (8 aircraft), Italy (15 aircraft with 3 more on order), Spain (2 aircraft and 4 more on order) and the US, which leases CL415s from Canada. In addition, Croatia has ordered two Bombardier 415s. In December 2006, the 415 was awarded the Batefuegos de oro (gold fire swatter) in recognition of the effectiveness of its firefighting ability. The jury considering the award described the aircraft as “the greatest technological advancement in firefighting,” and the accompanying citation described the 415 as “the most efficient tool for the aerial combat of forest fires.”

(Editor’s note: With New Zealand’s extensive maritime environment, significant regional aid commitments to island and maritime neighbours, and extensive requirement for firefighting capabilities, perhaps an aircraft such as the Bombardier 415 might be worth consideration by the New Zealand government for use by the RNZAF in such roles as short-range maritime patrol, training, firefighting and civil defence, and foreign aid and relief work. The editor would be interested to hear readers’ views; write to: editor@pacificwingsmagazine.com).