This incredible video is doing the rounds. A plane fighting the devastating fires currently raging in California, USA.
But, instead of just staring at the heroic images, let me tell you 10 things about this plane.
1. You are looking at the Canadair CL-415, also called the "Super Scooper". Designed specifically for aerial firefighting, it can perform various other roles, such as search and rescue and utility transport.
2. Scoops up to 6,140 litres of water in just 12 seconds
3. Is an amphibious aircraft that operates in the air and on water. Its hull is shaped like a boat to facilitate scooping water and to provide stability when landing on water.
4. Has a length of 19.8 meters and a wingspan of 28.6 meters, and flies at 220 mph when heading to the drop zone (but scoops water at 160km/h)
5. Powered by two turboprop engines, each capable of generating up to 1,775 kW of thrust. The placement of the engines close to the fuselage helps reduce lateral stability issues.
7. The water is dropped onto wildfires as low as 30m above ground. The water can be mixed with foam for more effective drops.
8. It can sustain up to six hours of continuous operation before refuelling.
9. The water tanks have internal baffles. This prevents it from sloshing and helps stability.
10. The tanks are located near the plane's centre of gravity. Water is loaded evenly to avoid tipping or unbalancing the aircraft.
A powerhouse of aerial firefighting that delivers thousands of litres of water exactly where it’s needed!