In an interview given to our colleagues at the website Aerobuzz.fr, as Viking Air’s commercial director confirms, the new Canadair will be firmly focused on the future. It might even be renamed the Canadair 515.
The cockpit of this new version will be fitted with state-of-the-art avionics, comprising three large touchscreens that display a synthetic view. This is useful in low-visibility conditions.
Finally up and running at night?
This new avionics suite is compatible with the use of a head-up display, a sighting device and even night-vision goggles, which could finally make night-time operations possible.
According to the website, it will be necessary to apply specific programming for forest fire operations to flight instruments, in particular the ground proximity warning and airborne collision avoidance system.
More water to fight more effectively?
The manufacturer also wants to make the aircraft lighter, so that it can land without having to jettison its payload. The payload capacity of this new water bomber could also increase to 7,000 litres.