The Canadian State Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has received the first of four Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft ordered from the firm in October 2009.

The new firefighting aircraft will replace part of the aging fleet of six CL-215 aircraft currently operated by the province’s department of transportation.

The Bombardier 415 features enhanced aerial firefighting capabilities, powered flight controls and a new electrical system.

With a cruise speed of 333km/h, the aircraft can complete nine drops within an hour and deliver 14,589gal of fire suppressant on mission with an average distance of 6nm from water to fire.