Italy Buys Three Bombardier 415 Amphibious Aircraft
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--FEBRUARY 9, 2004 - 09:47 ET
Bombardier Aerospace today announced that the
Government of Italy has purchased and taken delivery of three
Bombardier 415(i) amphibious aircraft.
With this order, the Italian Department of Civil Protection is
increasing its fleet to 16 aircraft. The aircraft are scheduled
to enter service for the 2004 fire season. The contract with
Italy also contains an option to install a Search & Rescue system
kit to convert one aircraft to the new Bombardier 415MP
multi-purpose version, which is expected to be certified later
this month.
Since entering service with the Italian Department of Civil
Protection in the spring of 1995, the Italian Bombardier 415
fleet has accumulated over 30,880 flight hours. "The Bombardier
415 has consistently demonstrated its unique capabilities by
operating effectively in the rugged and demanding conditions of
the Italian terrain. Last season, Italy also supported the
efforts of its neighbouring countries by sending its Bombardier
415 aircraft in assistance," said Michel Bourgeois, president,
Bombardier Amphibious Aircraft.
"The Bombardier 415 aircraft is clearly the backbone of our
firefighting operations," said Dr. Vincenzo Spaziante,
vice-director, Civil Protection of Italy. "It was the most
important contribution to the impressive reduction of our average
area burned by fire despite demanding climatic conditions and an
increase in the number of fires. During the last season our fleet
of Bombardier 415 made 25,601 drops for a total of approximately
150 million litres of water suppressant delivered on forest
fires."
A total of 60 Bombardier 415 have been sold to firefighting
agencies in Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Ontario and Quebec.
In the Mediterranean region, France, Croatia, Italy and Greece
currently operate 38 Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft and Spain
operates 14 CL-215T turboprop aircraft. Greece and Spain also
have 19 CL-215 piston aircraft in service.
The Bombardier 415 has a maximum speed of 375 km/h (235 mph) and
in an average mission of 11 kilometres (six nautical miles)
distance from water to fire, it can complete nine drops within an
hour, delivering 55,260 litres (14,600 U.S. gallons) of fire
suppressant.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation
solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail
transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation
headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended
Jan. 31, 2003 were $21.2 billion Cdn and its shares are traded on
the Toronto, Brussels and Frankfurt stock exchanges (BBD, BOM and
BBDd.F). News and information are available at
www.bombardier.com.
N.B. Fiscal year 2002-03 revenues have been restated following
the sale of the recreational products business.
(i) Trademark of Bombardier Inc. |
