Longview Aviation Capital Subsidiary Viking Signs Multi-Aircraft Sales Agreement for Next Generation CL-515 Aerial Firefighter & Multi-Role Amphibious Aircraft

Contract to deliver six new aircraft in 2024 is a key step towards full production program

Longview Aviation Capital (“Longview”) and its subsidiary Viking Air Limited, a global leader of utility aircraft, support and services and manufacturer of the world-renowned Twin Otter, today announced a seven aircraft sales contract for six new-production CL-515 aircraft and one CL-415EAF.

The CL-515 is a newly developed, technically advanced multi-mission aerial firefighting aircraft – the next generation of the CANADAIR CL-415, the aviation industry’s benchmark amphibious aircraft and the backbone of firefighting missions around the globe. With enhanced firefighting capabilities, and the flexibility to support a wide range of critical mission operations, the CL-515 will be a vitally important strategic asset to fleets around the world.

The Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense has agreed to purchase six all-new CL-515 aircraft, four of which will be delivered in “First Responder” multi-mission configuration, and two delivered in optimized aerial firefighter configuration. The purchase agreement also includes one CANADAIR CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” aircraft converted from a CANADAIR CL-215 to EAF standard by Longview Aviation Capital’s subsidiary, Longview Aviation Services.

The Republic of Indonesia’s purchase agreement is a firm commitment that is conditional only on Longview Aviation Capital’s Board of Directors approving the production launch program.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Republic of Indonesia as the first customer for this extraordinary aircraft,” said David Curtis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Longview Aviation Capital. ”This contract is a major milestone in bringing the next generation CANADAIR to market. The confidence of a sovereign government in our program is matched by our own confidence in our ability to deliver this new aircraft platform to the world. We are very well advanced in all aspects of program planning, including our supply chain, and we are nearing a final decision on manufacturing and final assembly sites. We expect to complete the remaining program milestones in the near future, and deliver the first new CL-515 on schedule in 2024.”

Program Development Process

Since acquiring the type certificates for the CANADAIR amphibious aircraft program from Bombardier in 2016, Longview has had positive discussions with numerous potential customers from around the world, including both governments and private operators, who have enthusiastically encouraged a production restart.

On the basis of the global interest in the unique and unrivalled capabilities of the CL-515, Longview and Viking have invested in a rigorous process ahead of full production launch decision:

• Consulted extensively with current global operators to understand their future aerial firefighting resource requirements
• Conducted extensive market research and feasibility studies and developed a new all-season multi-mission platform, leveraging advanced technology not previously included in the CL program
• Consulted with key supplier partners
• Undertaken advanced supply chain and manufacturing planning, including options associated with Longview’s current facilities and potential new facilities in Western Canada

CL-515 Highlights

• Up to 15% better aerial firefighting productivity, including increased tank capacity and ability to refill in 14 seconds
• State-of-the-art Collins Pro Line Fusion® digital avionics suite for unrivaled situational awareness
• Flexible architecture to support multi-mission capabilities including aerial firefighting, maritime patrol, surveillance, medevac, environmental monitoring, insect control, oil spill detection and dispersant
• Reduced maintenance and operating costs through improved, scalable avionics and superior design
• Unmatched mission efficiency and flexibility, requiring no runway or reloading capacity during waterbombing firefighting

“Indonesia is on the front lines of increasing challenges like forest fires, and as an island nation has extensive needs for a range of amphibious capabilities,” said Air Chief Marshal Yuyu Sutisna, chief of staff for Indonesia’s Air Force. “We have chosen to invest in this aircraft based on the CANADAIR’s solid track record demonstrated around the world over the last 50 years, and Viking’s established capabilities as an aircraft developer and producer. The next generation CL-515 will have unmatched operational performance, particularly as a firefighter. This aircraft has the best productivity of any aerial firefighting aircraft, capable of delivering the highest quantity of foam retardant per day, while at the same time providing the flexibility to save lives and protect our coastal areas through its multi-role SAR and Maritime Surveillance functionalities. We are proud to sign the first contract for this extraordinary aircraft that will enhance our mission capability at excellent value."

CL- 515 “First Responder” Multi-Role Amphibious Aircraft

Building on the pedigree of the CANADAIR CL-415, the CL-515 “First Responder” is the next generation of purpose-built aerial firefighter and multi-role amphibious aircraft. Through the incorporation of new technology and the integration of the state-of-the-art Collins Pro Line Fusion® digital avionics suite, the 515 provides operators with world class reliability, enhanced safety, and unrivaled situational awareness.

The significant global interest in the aircraft is underscored by the increasing worldwide frequency and severity of wildfires as a result of climate change. As truly amphibious aircraft, the CANADAIR CL-415 and the CL-515 are able to refill with water while flying, as well as mix retardant in flight. Requiring no runway to reload water, the aircraft is able to make more frequent waterbombing missions, particularly in remote or difficult to access areas.

The FAR/Part 25-certified Collins Pro Line Fusion® avionics suite is a scalable software-based system that addresses current regulatory requirements while anticipating future expansion. The core avionics configuration features Flight Director, Flight Management System (FMS) coupled with SBAS-GPS and LPV capability, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), ADS-B Out, Synthetic Vision, crew alerting system display indicators, and a multi-functional keyboard panel with dual cursor controls.

The new-production CL-515 offers exceptional aerial firefighting capabilities offering up to a 15% increase in productivity while reducing maintenance and operating costs. Its expanded tank capacity (7,000 L) and ability to refill in 14 seconds from water sources in close proximity to wildfires allows the CL-515 to drop enormous amounts of foam-injected fire retardant on a continuous basis.

As a true multi-mission platform, the CL-515 First Responder’s flexible architecture allows integration of mission equipment for a variety of roles in a single airframe, including aerial firefighting, maritime patrol, surveillance, medevac, environmental monitoring, insect control, oil spill detection and dispersant.

The CL-515 is the only aerial firefighter and multi-mission amphibious aircraft built and supported by an OEM with complete full factory warranty, established world-class product support network, and factory-endorsed Full Motion Level D Flight Simulator, making it the most technically advanced multi-mission aerial firefighting aircraft available on the market.

Added Mr. Curtis: “Our plans for the CL-515 build on our successful track record as an aircraft OEM. Our team conceived and developed the world-renowned Viking Series 400 Twin Otter, and to-date we have sold and delivered new aircraft to operators in 31 countries around the world. Longview and Viking have earned a reputation as the world leader in utility aircraft, and we have every confidence in our company’s ability to efficiently produce a multi-role aircraft that will set a new global standard for amphibious operations.”

In addition to Viking, Longview Aviation Capital includes De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, OEM of the worldwide Dash 8 aircraft program including the 100, 200 and 300 series and the in-production Dash 8 Series 400 program manufactured in Ontario.

Viking lanza el programa de actualización de aviónica (Avionics Update Program, AUP) para la flota de aviones anfibios Canadair CL-215T y CL-415

Nimes, Francia, 18 de marzo de 2019: Viking Air Limited, Victoria (Columbia Británica) lanzó un programa de actualización de aviónica (AUP) para la flota de aeronaves apagafuegos Canadair CL-215T y CL-415. El programa incorporará tecnologías actualizadas en comunicaciones, navegación, vigilancia y gestión del tráfico aéreo a través de una plataforma integrada, la suite de aviónica Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion.

Para enfrentarse al desafío de los componentes con fecha de finalización de su vida útil, el AUP utilizará modernos y fiables sistemas COTS interconectados con los equipos de misión. El sistema está diseñado como una solución completamente integrada para un cockpit armonizado que no sólo cumplirá con el reglamento actual, sino que también abordará las futuras necesidades técnicas y operativas con un horizonte superior a los 25 años.

Los aviones que se sometan al retrofit contarán con un cockpit totalmente ergonómico con tres grandes pantallas LCD para una mejor visualización de los datos de vuelo, que ayudará a reducir la carga de trabajo del piloto y mostrará toda la información necesaria bajo un diseño mucho más simplificado.

Diseño propuesto de la suite de aviónica integrada Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion con tres grandes pantallas LCD.

Un componente clave del programa es la introducción de la suite de aviónica digital Collins Pro Line Fusion, un sistema basado en software escalable certificado FAR/Part 25. La configuración principal incluye un Director de Vuelo, Sistema de Gestión de Vuelo (FMS), junto con las capacidades SBAS-GPS y LPV, el Sistema de Alerta contra el Terreno (TAWS), ADS-B, Visión Sintética (compatible con NVG), indicadores de visualización del sistema de alertas y un panel funcional redundante como alternativa a los comandos de pantalla táctil.

Un sistema SATCOM, Latitude Technologies Ionode System, Radar Meteorológico y Auto-Pilot son algunas de las opciones disponibles para mejorar y personalizar aún más el sistema de aviónica según las necesidades del operador.

Dan Seroussi, Director del Programa de Servicio al Cliente de Viking: “Los apagafuegos Canadair están en el corazón de la estrategia de desarrollo de Viking. Estos aviones tienen capacidades operativas increíbles y su versatilidad les permitirá cumplir con una amplia variedad de misiones en el futuro. Estamos seguros de que la suite Collins Pro Line Fusion Avionics no sólo ayudará a resolver los problemas de obsolescencia y los nuevos requisitos reglamentarios a los que actualmente se enfrentan los operadores de las aeronaves CL-215T y CL-415, sino que también ampliará la longevidad de la flota de los operadores durante muchos años”.

Gregory Davis, Vicepresidente de Servicio al Cliente y Soporte de Productos de Viking, agregó: "La tecnología avanzada del Pro Line Fusion será la columna vertebral de la evolución y el soporte de estos increíbles aviones durante los próximos 25 años, y estoy satisfecho de la nueva suite de aviónica integrada. Ésta equipará las flotas actuales de los aviones CL ya en servicio, así como el nuevo Viking CL-415EAF (Enhanced Aerial Firefighter). Este sistema también conformará las bases para cualquier nuevo avión en producción, permitiendo la interoperabilidad y el mantenimiento entre las unidades nuevas y antiguas".

El AUP se ofrecerá inicialmente como una actualización para los operadores del CL-215T o CL-415, los cuales podrán seleccionar el retrofit completo, incluido el suministro e instalación del paquete de aviónica, o bien un kit de componentes para su instalación a través de los centros de reparación y mantenimiento aprobados.

Viking Air.

Longview Aviation Asset Management Announces Bridger Aerospace Group as Launch Customer for Viking CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” Conversion Program

Pictured above: Bridger Aerospace Group Founder & President Tim Sheehy (3rd from left), and Bridger Co-Founder and Chairman Matt Sheehy (far left), join Longview Aviation Capital Chairman David Curtis (2nd from left), and Longview Aviation Asset Management Chief Operating Officer Robert Mauracher (far right) to sign the purchase agreement for Viking CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighting aircraft at LAAM’s facilities in Calgary, Alberta.

The CL-215 aerial firefighter photographed here is one of eleven candidate aircraft specially selected for LAAM’s CL-415EAF Conversion Program.

Calgary, Alberta, May 29, 2018:Longview Aviation Asset Management (LAAM) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is pleased to announce Bridger Aerospace Group (Bridger Aerospace) of Bozeman, Montana, USA as the first multiple-aircraft launch customer for the Viking CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” conversion program.

Bridger Aerospace has signed a firm aircraft purchase agreement with LAAM for up to five Viking CL-415EAF aircraft, with the first two aircraft scheduled for delivery in early 2020 timed to support the 2020 aerial firefighting season in the United States, and the remaining three aircraft delivered in subsequent years.

To initiate the CL-415EAF program, eleven specially selected CL-215 candidate aircraft will be supplied by LAAM and undergo the modification process at LAAM’s Calgary facilities utilizing Viking supplied conversion kits. LAAM expects to employ nearly two-hundred technical and support staff members in the coming months, and is currently working with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to develop innovative technologies and provide assistance in support of this program.

With the execution of the aircraft purchase agreement, Bridger's Founder & President Tim Sheehy stated, “We are pleased to be the launch customer for LAAM and Viking’s new Enhanced Aerial Firefighter aircraft program. Bridger has continually positioned itself on the forefront of next generation aerial firefighting techniques and this is yet another step in that direction. We look forward to receiving these aircraft to combat the ever-increasing wildfire danger in the United States, and we believe that the CL-415EAF aircraft is an ideal platform for that mission.”

Robert Mauracher, Chief Operating Officer for LAAM, commented, “We are very excited to be partnering with Bridger Aerospace as the first international launch customer for the CL-415EAF program. Bridger’s recognition of the benefits offered by an amphibious aircraft to protect the environment and local communities throughout the United States is a key indicator of the suitability of the CL-415EAF for the US firefighting market, and we look forward to working together in the development of these aircraft.”

LAAM converted CL-215 aircraft will form the basis of the Viking CL-415EAF aircraft, complete with a new integrated digital avionics suite, Pratt & Whitney PW123AF turbine engines, increased fire-retardant capacity, and improvements to numerous aircraft systems.

The Viking CL-415EAF represents the evolution of the type, providing best-in-class water drop performance utilizing the higher delivery 2-door water drop system combined with a zero-timed maintenance program and factory-supported warranty program. All obsolete components impacting the worldwide fleet of CL-215 & CL-415 aircraft will be replaced in the CL-415EAF, and the upgraded aircraft will be designed to failsafe FAR 25 certification criteria with no preset life limit.

The very short scooping distance of the CL-415EAF aircraft will outperform competitors from initial attack to sustained major fire suppression, and the combination of safety and longevity represents exceptional value inherent in purpose-built aerial firefighting amphibious aircraft.

The completed CL-415EAF aircraft is the only aerial firefighter with factory OEM support offered by Viking’s Customer Service & Product Support division, including management of all Continuing Airworthiness, warranty items, in-service engineering, initial provisioning, as well as offering Viking’s M+ all-inclusive maintenance support program. All improvements and obsolescence issues addressed by Viking for the CL-415EAF aircraft will become the new aircraft production standard should Viking elect to launch the manufacture of an all new, next generation CL-515 multi-purpose amphibious aircraft.

Pictured above: Proposed livery of Bridger’s CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter. The Viking CL-415EAF Conversion Program offered through Longview Aviation Asset Management is based on the Canadair CL-215T conversion program, and will incorporate modern upgrades and address obsolescence issues impacting the worldwide fleet of CL-215 & CL-415 aircraft.