In Canada, small aircraft known as Super Scoopers are actively involved in rescue operations. These planes are specially designed for firefighting, particularly for extinguishing wildfires. The CL-415 aircraft, for example, can drop water and, when necessary, foam. According to a report by The Washington Post, these Super Scoopers are more effective than helicopters equipped with buckets and air tankers when it comes to fighting fires.
These planes can carry up to 1,600 gallons of water at once, which is significantly more than the water held by the buckets used by helicopters. Additionally, unlike air tankers, Super Scoopers do not need to land to refill. They can retrieve water from nearby bodies of water at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour and get back to work almost immediately.
How Does the Super Scooper Work? The Super Scooper has a wingspan of 93 feet and a length of 65 feet. It features a system that allows water to be efficiently mixed with foam. Refilling the water tank takes approximately 12 seconds, and water is pumped into the tank using hoses. Once full, the aircraft can travel at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour to reach the affected areas.
According to the report, the pilot can dump water from the plane at once, or they can use all four doors to release the water. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has leased two Super Scoopers from the Cuban government for 30 years, though only one is operational at the moment. The other was involved in a collision with an illegal drone during firefighting operations. Fortunately, the pilots were unaware of the collision and landed safely. The aircraft was grounded but will be operational again after repairs.
The report also mentions that a Canadian non-profit organization working with the Cuban government to provide the Super Scoopers will supply Los Angeles with two additional CL-415 aircraft.
As a result of the fires in Los Angeles, at least 24 people have died, over 12,000 buildings have been destroyed, and more than 100,000 people have been displaced. Among the victims are several famous Hollywood personalities, and the economic loss is estimated to be around 150 billion dollars.
