Military

CL-215 / CL-415 Amphibious Water Scooper Aircraft [AWSA]

The CL-215 is known by several nicknames depending on where it is used. In Italy, Croatia, Serbia, France and Greece, they are known as "Canadairs." In western Canada they are known as "Ducks." Most other operators prefer to go by "Scoopers." The turboprop versions, CL-215T and 415 are known as "Super Scoopers" because of their increased performance.

Amphibious Water Scooper Aircraft [AWSA] are a fixed-wing asset, their use is much more like water-dropping helicopters. The typical flight pattern is oval, with a pickup into the wind and a downwind drop on the fire. This is the most common and efficient circuit, and most pilots prefer it. When water sources are located next to the fire, a 90-second turnaround time is possible. If fire intensity or other reasons indicate a need for drops into the wind or crosswind, then a U-shaped circuit or a figure-8 may be necessary. Turnaround time will be slightly longer.

Operationally, they are very similar to heavy helicopters in their ability to operate from water sources close to fires (i.e., short turnaround and exclusive use of water) Because they use water, they should primarily be used in a direct initial attack support role of ground suppression actions, but they can also be used for extended attack.

In the United States, AWSA are national resources. The AWSA will generally be kept together as a pair, however they may be separated based on strategic or tactical considerations. The Geographic Area Coordination Center where the aircraft are operating will make the scoopers available for wildland fire assignments when requested by the National Interagency Coordination Center. The aircraft will be dispatched by the Geographic Area Coordination Center or unit where they are located. Movement of these aircraft will be through the normal dispatch channels. The National Interagency Coordination Center will determine standby locations based on projected or current national needs. Coordination between the Geographic Area Coordination Centers and the AWSA Manager is essential to the successful movement and utilization of these resources. AWSA will be available seven days a week during their 210 day mandatory availability period. Water scooper dispatch response will be based on closest resources in the context of available water body sources and capability similar to heavy helicopters.

Advantages of AWSA include:

• Large volumes of water delivered to fire (i.e., when scoop site to fire is less than 10 nautical miles)
• Extended duration at fire scene (i.e., 2 to 4 hour fuel cycle)
• Frequent aerial intelligence or updates
• Flight crews experienced in both Alaska and the lower 48 states
• Ability to work directly with firefighters on the line (i.e., give and receive feedback)
• Excellent at hot spotting and supporting personnel building line

Limitations of the AWSA include:

• Must have suitable water source nearby (i.e., effectiveness is very limited beyond 30 nautical miles)
• Not designed for line building
• Water-scooping operations require visual flight rule (VFR) flight conditions

Helicopters and water-scooping aircraft working near one another and with potential inadequate separation between helicopters and different makes and models of fixed-wing aircraft create complex and congested airspace during fire operations. The CL-415 scoops at 80 knots and is on the water for approximately 10 to 12 seconds. The pickup water source should be a minimum of 1 mile long, depending on environmental conditions. The scooping path does not have to be straight, as the aircraft is maneuverable while scooping.

Water sources shall be a minimum 6 feet deep and preferably 10 feet deep. The CL-415 will need 3 to 4 feet of draft if a water landing is necessary in the event of an emergency or mechanical problem. Additional depth is required to open the tank doors if it is necessary to release any portion of the load. Water depth of at least 10 feet is preferred to allow the aircraft to land on the water if necessary.

The water scooper pilot may request that the Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) or lead plane observe a scoop from high and behind the scooper to look for muck and bottom debris that could be brought to the surface in the scooper�s wake if the water depth is low. Winds and water conditions can change hourly. A source that is usable one day may not be the next day. Some water sources may become unusable during the course of the season as water levels drop during the summer months.

A salvo load is approximately 350 feet long and 80 feet wide. Trail drop is about 400 feet x 70 feet. Drop height ranges between 100 and 150 feet, depending on factors such as direction of run (into wind versus downwind). When dropping directly in the vicinity of ground crews, personnel should be moved at least 200 feet to the side. When drops are made 1,000 feet or more in advance of the crews, no clearance is necessary, except to confirm no one is on the line.

Scoopers are best suited as an initial attack tool. These aircraft work best in tandem with other scoopers. They are most effective when they are dispatched to reach the fire at the earliest stages of burning. The scooper is capable of placing a large volume of water and is best suited for direct attack. Do not delay using these resources while awaiting arrival of ground resources

• Direct Attack - Like other air resources, they are most effective when worked closely with ground resources. Use scoopers similar to large helicopters. Drops are made directly on the fire�s edge. High-intensity fire may require drops to be made into the wind. Despite conventional thought, scoopers are well suited for hitting the head of small and emerging fires.
• Parallel Attack - In the event ground resources are delayed or drops are advancing faster than the crews, a parallel attack is effective. If the fire does not reach the drops in 30 to 45 minutes, plan reinforcement drops. If progress by ground crews is too slow, retardant aircraft maybe a better option, with water used for cooling the line.
• Indirect Attack - The scooper�s capabilities at indirect attack are limited. CL-415s are effective in supporting indirect tactics when used to reinforce retardant or other control lines, hot spotting, and knockdown of slop overs and spot fires.

Water scooper pilots are very experienced at firefighting using these aircraft. Tactically, use scoopers like a heavy helicopter, but keep in mind they are fixed-wing assets. They drop water � a suppressant � and are very effective working the active flanks and the head of the fire. Slowing the fire down as it approaches a retardant line to reduce the intensity may be an appropriate tactic to consider. The CL-415 can deliver multiple different drop sequences depending on the fuel model or fire behavior.

CL-415 scoopers can support conventional airtankers by sequencing them in between retardant drops to cool the fire in advance of the retardant or to assist in holding the fire as it approaches the retardant. In other cases, use of AWSA needs to be in different areas than retardant aircraft, as the scooper�s water drops have the potential to wash retardant off the fuels, and reduce retardant effectiveness.

Aquatic invasive plants and animals pose a risk to both the environment and to firefighting equipment (some species can clog valves and pumps if equipment is not completely drained or treated). Avoidance and sanitation can prevent the spread of these organisms and help to assure that firefighting equipment remains operational. Sanitize any equipment that comes into contact with raw water, which means destroying any unwanted organisms. Surfaces to be sanitized include tanks, portable pumps, hoses, and helicopter buckets. If equipment is obtained from a source where sanitizing history is unknown, cleaning and sanitizing equipment will be necessary before use as well as after. Thorough drying alone is an easy and effective sanitizing method, but required drying times vary considerably with the species and may not be practical for a quick turnaround. Drying may be possible after the incident, especially in hot weather.

Internal tanks that are NOT accessible (e.g., baffles) have surfaces difficult to reach with hot water: Use of corrosive chemical disinfectants is not recommended in aircraft. Although rinsing equipment with clean (cool) water is not as effective as using chemical disinfectants or hot (140 �F or hotter) water, plain water can flush unattached organisms (e.g., larvae, pathogens) from the system.