Viking applies for funding to launch CL-515 aerial firefighter

Viking Aircraft has applied for funding support from the Canadian government to help launch the proposed CL-515 amphibious firefighting aircraft, the manufacturer announced on 7 May.

Separately, Viking subsidiary Longview Aviation Asset Management (LAMM) has formally launched production of the the CL-415 Enhanced Aerial Firefighter (EAF).

Both programmes are focused on delivering turbine-powered versions of the Bombardier CL-215T.

The CL-415EAF programme starts with used CL-215s and raises them to the CL-215T configuration standard.

Meanwhile, Viking also has proposed restarting production of new CL-215Ts, which would be marketed as the CL-515.

Viking acquired the type certifications for the CL-215, CL-215T and CL-415 from Bombardier in 2016, then established LAMM. LAMM acquired 11 CL-215s for conversion to the CL-415EAF standard.

Up to 150 employees will be hired by LAMM to support the CL-415EAF conversion programme.

The CL-515 has not yet been launched, but proposes to restart production of the aerial firefighter after a four-year hiatus.

Viking applied for financial support from the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which is managed by Canada’s Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED).

(Evangle Luo of TTFLY shared with you)