De Havilland to begin final assembly of DHC-515 water bomber with 2028 delivery target

De Havilland Canada is moving forward with the production of its DHC-515 water bomber, a modernized variant of the well-known CL-415. The company plans to begin final assembly of the aircraft later this year at its Calgary facility, with an anticipated first delivery slated for 2028. Key airframe components have already been manufactured and are currently being integrated.

Key sections of the aircraft such as the mid and forward fuselage have been assembled, with the cockpit now joined to the hull forming the forward fuselage. The mid-fuselage is undergoing integration with this completed section, signaling steady progress toward final assembly. Moreover, the wing box, measuring 28.6 meters in span, has been completed and will be moved to the assembly line by year's end to facilitate upcoming test flights next year.

The DHC-515 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 engines and represents an evolution from the earlier CL-415, itself part of the CL-series that dates back to the 1960s. Originally developed by Canadair and later produced by Bombardier until 2015, the design was acquired by Viking Aircraft in 2016. Viking, a subsidiary of Longview Aviation Capital which also owns De Havilland, transferred the program to De Havilland, which established a production site in Calgary for the new model.

While the DHC-515’s production timeline has slipped from initial schedules, efforts since 2024 have focused on meeting the 2028 delivery target. Around 80 CL-415s remain operational globally, underscoring enduring demand for amphibious firefighting aircraft. The DHC-515 introduces several enhancements over its predecessor, including updated Garmin G300 avionics, a new water-drop control system, improved corrosion resistance, and a revamped air conditioning system.

Performance improvements include a cruising speed up to 187 knots (346 km/h) and the capacity to carry 6,140 liters (1,620 gallons) of water. The aircraft can rapidly scoop water during flight within 12 seconds from lakes or reservoirs, critical for firefighting missions. Alternatively, it has the option to transport 680 liters of firefighting foam for versatile suppression tactics.

Beyond aerial firefighting, De Havilland promotes the DHC-515’s adaptability for operations like surveillance, maritime patrol, and medical evacuation. This broadens the aircraft’s utility across civil and governmental roles, enhancing market appeal. The company has reported a firm backlog of 38 orders, nearly doubling the count from two years prior, with customers spanning Croatia, Greece, France, Indonesia, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

This renewed production effort reflects ongoing investment to sustain and modernize important firefighting aircraft capabilities amid rising wildfire challenges worldwide. De Havilland’s commitment to building the DHC-515 at Calgary continues a Canadian legacy in amphibious aircraft design and manufacturing, ensuring continuity of operations for firefighting agencies needing reliable, state-of-the-art platforms.