Cyprus-Forum.com

[Paphitis]

I do not understand why the Cyprus Government does not take the initiative and purchase 2-3 Canadair CL 415 aircraft. This aircraft is currently in service with the HAF and is very efficient in water bombing operations. It can drop over 6,000 litres of water and foam on a fire.

I understand that this type of equipment comes at a considerable price and then you have the added costs of pilot training and aircraft maintenance. However, Cyprus is a dry island which is prone to bush fire activity. The loss of property, and the potential for cultural and heritage losses is a serious threat and therefore I consider it an excellent investment if Cyprus takes the next step in combating fires by adding these very capable aircraft to it's fire fighting arsenal.

Here is some information on the aircraft in question.

http://www.bombardier.com/index.jsp?id= ... 3_3_0.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CL-415

So, what are your thoughts? Should the Cyprus government take more initiative and invest in hardware that will protect Cypriot Citizens from bush fires? Or do you think that it is already doing enough?

[Paphitis]

I just saw a very interesting discussion on RIK. The guest (I am not sure of his name) was answering a question by the journalist about the prospect of purchasing some Canadair CL 415s. He ruled the prospect out by stating that the Republic can not justify the costs as against any possible benefit or advantage. He continued to say the Republic may proceed with plans to purchase smaller, less expensive aircraft which naturally are also less reliable, and less effective in fighting fires.

I must say that I was a little dissapointed with the response. How can he say that the cost can not be justified considering the economic damages, loss of heritage (loss of state forrests and possible loss of culturally important sites), loss of property and potential loss of life?
It sounds like many of our leaders are not taking this threat very seriously.

[Oracle]

I thought preventative measures took precedence. Hence the large number of forest rangers, effective clearance of undergrowth and huge investment in fire-breaks. Rapid response facilitated by the small size of the island is another bonus.

[Paphitis]

I thought preventative measures took precedence. Hence the large number of forest rangers, effective clearance of undergrowth and huge investment in fire-breaks. Rapid response facilitated by the small size of the island is another bonus.

Forrest rangers and fire breaks are only one aspect of attempting to prevent fires, but the issue is whether the Republic should invest in extremely effective hardware which will control and extinguish fires more quickly when they do occur, and thus costing the Cypriot community less hardship.

Forrest rangers and fire breaks alone is not the sole answer, but does form a very important aspect in preventative measures. Fires will still occur, as we have seen year after year in Cyprus, Greece (which nearly lost Olympia), Australia and the US.

[Raymanoff]

The Russian Ilyushin-76 "waterbomber" jet that can douse a fire the size of 10 football fields in a single pass

[Raymanoff]

But here's a fire-fighting seaplane with power to spare! It's a Beriev Be-200 Altair, one of the latest products from a long line of seaplanes produced by this pioneering Russian design bureau. I photographed it at the 2006 Gidroaviasalon (hydro-aviation exhibition) at the Russian Black Sea resort town of Gelendzhik. It can only carry 3,170 US gallons (12,000 liters) of water compared to the Mars' 7,200 gallons (27,250 liters), but it does it relatively effortlessly and can fly at much greater speeds between the water source and the fire.

[Oracle]

I thought preventative measures took precedence. Hence the large number of forest rangers, effective clearance of undergrowth and huge investment in fire-breaks. Rapid response facilitated by the small size of the island is another bonus.

Forrest rangers and fire breaks are only one aspect of attempting to prevent fires, but the issue is whether the Republic should invest in extremely effective hardware which will control and extinguish fires more quickly when they do occur, and thus costing the Cypriot community less hardship.

Forrest rangers and fire breaks alone is not the sole answer, but does form a very important aspect in preventative measures. Fires will still occur, as we have seen year after year in Cyprus, Greece (which nearly lost Olympia), Australia and the US.

I suppose it would depend on the bottleneck to get them operational as to how effective they were considering the size of the island ... I can see their benefits in larger countries.....

[Paphitis]

The Russian Ilyushin-76 "waterbomber" jet that can douse a fire the size of 10 football fields in a single pass

Yes but it is probably a little too large for Cypriot requirements and much more costly. The Canadair CL415 would be a fraction of the cost and yet Cypriot leaders are ruling it out also as they believe it to be expensive.

Nice aircraft though.

[Paphitis]

But here's a fire-fighting seaplane with power to spare! It's a Beriev Be-200 Altair, one of the latest products from a long line of seaplanes produced by this pioneering Russian design bureau. I photographed it at the 2006 Gidroaviasalon (hydro-aviation exhibition) at the Russian Black Sea resort town of Gelendzhik. It can only carry 3,170 US gallons (12,000 liters) of water compared to the Mars' 7,200 gallons (27,250 liters), but it does it relatively effortlessly and can fly at much greater speeds between the water source and the fire.

This would have to be the world's best water bomber in my opinion. However, still a little too large for Cyprus and very expensive.

The Hellenic Air Force is considering to order some Be-200s as they where used in the terrible bush fires in Pelloponissos last year and proved to be very effective.

A brand new Canadair 415 costs around 25,000,000USD per unit. Second hand units would be cheaper. The size and flexibility of the Canadair would be ideal for Cypriot fire fighting conditions. They are used in Greece with great success. Training support, spare parts and technical expertise can be sourced from Greece (HAF) with ease.

[Paphitis]

I thought preventative measures took precedence. Hence the large number of forest rangers, effective clearance of undergrowth and huge investment in fire-breaks. Rapid response facilitated by the small size of the island is another bonus.

Forrest rangers and fire breaks are only one aspect of attempting to prevent fires, but the issue is whether the Republic should invest in extremely effective hardware which will control and extinguish fires more quickly when they do occur, and thus costing the Cypriot community less hardship.

Forrest rangers and fire breaks alone is not the sole answer, but does form a very important aspect in preventative measures. Fires will still occur, as we have seen year after year in Cyprus, Greece (which nearly lost Olympia), Australia and the US.

I suppose it would depend on the bottleneck to get them operational as to how effective they were considering the size of the island ... I can see their benefits in larger countries.....

Canadairs are used in Greece with great success. They were very important fire fighting assets in Peloponissos and Evia last year.

Training support is readily available and can be sourced with ease.

The Canadair is ideal for Cyprus, but our politicians can not justify the cost.