In 2016, Viking acquired the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for the Canadair CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 aircraft. With this transfer, Viking assumed responsibility for all product support for the global fleet of 170 aerial firefighters.
They are now embarking on a program to improve the CL-415 and maybe produce a CL-515.
First is the CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter Conversion Program. Using older CL-215s, they will be upgraded to be equivalent to the CL-215T and CL-415EAF including winglets, finlets, higher operating weights, increased capacity firebombing system, and foam injection system of the CL-415. In addition to these standards, other improvements introduced with the Viking CL-415EAF conversion upgrade include:
- Full modern Avionics package,
- Component modernization improvements to address all fleet obsolescence issues,
- Corrosion protection enhancements based on operator feedback,
- Flight deck air-conditioning system,
- Customized external paint scheme, and
- Humanitarian relief and special mission options (e.g. stretcher rack, large cargo door, spray boom system)
Meanwhile, Viking also has proposed restarting production of new CL-215Ts, which would be marketed as the CL-515