These are sometimes leased and some countries, that have large water surfaces, buy them. Croatia probably has strongest fleet per sq mile. In the beginning of 2000’s they bought 6 CL415 for some $215mil. They already had know-how from former Yugoslavia that operated CL-215.
It is excellent airplane and I spend a lot of time with folks flying them there. However, they are good choice only for certain areas. For example, in Colorado we would not be able to use them efficiently. In Croatia, all areas prone to fires are some 50-70miles from the coast, and most endangered ones some 25miles deep. They are also used in Bosnia under agreement between Croatia and Bosnia. And that is very good example that it is not for everyone. Bosnia has dry climate in Herzegovina part with a lot of spruce. But also gets huge amounts of moisture, and it is only European country with rain forests. So, utilization of CL415 is questionable at best. It is better to spend money on helicopters. They work all year around. Croatian CL-415 are basically stationary for 8 months. They do trainings but that is about it. Still, 1/3 of Croatian GDP is from coastal tourism, so they paid off fast. They are right tool for country like that or Greece, southern France, Spain, Portugal, some parts of Turkey. I know that San Diego county lease them from September to December during Santa Ana winds.
Still, the demand for them is ridiculous. CL215 is still sought after, IF one can be found. So DHC 515 I think right now has wait period of 7-10yrs. I worked on some stuff with Bosnia to develop fire fighting capabilities and we briefly looked at it and it is insane wait period and price will be seriously high.
This video is from Bosnia and shows their limitations in steep terrain, canyons. This is where helicopter is much better. Of course, downside is that helicopter cannot carry that much water. Colorado just acquired two SH70 “Firehawk’s” and they seem better solution for most countries, states, counties.
