Bombardier has marked the launch of its Canadair 415GR amphibian twin-turboprop with a contract from the Greek Ministry of Defence for 10 aircraft and an option for five more. The $250 million deal includes spare parts, ground support equipment and training.
"The Canadair 415GR variant offers higher operating weights to accommodate future installation of search and rescue mission systems," says Bombardier. "It will also be equipped with onboard boat handling and utility cargo hoisting equipment." The Greek Government, thought to be the largest operator of the smaller CL-215 amphibian with a fleet of 15, will deploy the aircraft for firefighting and maritime search and rescue.
The deal has come at the right time for Bombardier. Of the new total of 51 orders for the Canadair 415, 38 have been delivered to firefighting agencies in Croatia, France, Italy, Ontario and Quebec. The Greek MoD will take delivery of its aircraft over a two-year period, starting in the first quarter of this year.
Source: Flight International
