Can the Bombardier 415 operate in difficult weather and wind conditions?
The Bombardier 415 is specifically designed for aerial firefighting and has operated effectively in some of the worst flying conditions in the world. It can scoop into a head wind of 90km/h (50 mph) and can fly and drop close to the ground when winds of 80 to 100 km/h (45 to 55 mph) are blowing. On occasion where the Bombardier 415 and a landbased tanker have been used from the same base, the Bombardier 415 has taken off and performed the mission while the tanker could not. In France the aircraft operates during the strong Mistral winds, which are similar to California’s Santa Ana winds in speed and dryness. The powerful turbine engines, allow full power up to 45o C (113o F).
