Built by Canadair and later Bombardier, the CL-415 Super Scooper is one of the few large amphibious aircraft produced in significant numbers.

A Bombardier Canadair CL-415 fighting wildfires in California last month was grounded after a drone punched a hole in its wing. [Courtesy: Los Angeles County Fire Department] The pilot of a drone ...

The CL-415, originally manufactured by Canadair and now by Bombardier, is an amphibious aircraft designed specifically for aerial firefighting.

De Havilland mainly focuses on special-mission aircraft. The company has been making the current Super Scooper model since 2015, when former manufacturer Bombardier sold the program to De Havilland.

Then there are the Super Scoopers, which scoop water out of nearby oceans, lakes, or reservoirs to douse flames. In addition to the CL-415, CAL FIRE uses a Bombardier 415.

This is the story of the Canadair CL-415, a Canadian-designed, Canadian-built amphibious water bomber pulling overtime over America's most famous zip codes.

Only about 160 fire-dousing Super Scooper aircraft, which are built in Canada using a 55-year-old design, are in operation worldwide as demand for them grows.

Super Scooper planes that fight wildfires are ‘rugged, reliable' — and rare Only about 160 of the fire-dousing aircraft, which are built in Canada using a 55-year-old design, are in operation ...