Bombardier delivers the first 415MP amphibious aircraft to Malaysia

According to the announcement made by the Bombardier Aerospace, Malaysia’s coast guard agency, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement agency (MMEA) received the first of the 2 Bombardier 415MP amphibious planes, which were ordered by the Malaysian government last year. The Malaysian government is the launch customer in Asia for the specialized Bombardier 415MP aircraft.

Photo: Bombardier 415MP amphibious plane

Bombardier Inc Canada (Specialized and Amphibious aircrafts) president Michelle Bourgeois handed over the amphibius plane to MMEA director general Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish at the old Subang airport in the presence of the Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Another version of the Bombardier 415 amphibious aircraft, which is specifically designed for aerial firefighting will be modified for maritime surveillance capabilities in accord to the requirements of MMEA.

This Malaysian deal with Bombardier is important in that the country is Malaysia’s first Southeast Asian customer to use an amphibious aircraft for surveillance purposes. The Bombardier 415 MP aircraft will be equipped with a state-of-the-art surveillance suite that includes two side-looking airborne radars, one forward-looking infrared radar, an airborne maritime surveillance system and other avionics and communications equipment.

The Malaysian government signed a deal to purchase 2 of Bombardier’s CL415 in the mid 2008, while the first aircraft was delivered in the beginning of 2009, the second will be delivered by the end of 2009.

“Bombardier Aerospace is proud to deliver its first Bombardier 415MP aircraft to Malaysia. We are confident this hardworking aircraft, with its multi-purpose capabilities, will prove a worthy tool in Malaysia’s efforts to patrol its extensive waterways and to enhance its search and rescue missions.” said Michel Bourgeois, President, Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace. He added that the 415 MP’s ability to fly at low speeds and low altitude with great maneuverability, and to execute direct interventions on water, made it an ideal aircraft for coastal patrol missions.” It is a very capable and cost-effective aircraft, able to carry out a multitude of specialized missions that previously required dedicated vessels and aircraft,” he said.

The deputy Prime Minister Najib in a short speech during the handing over ceremony said, “We have a vast coastline which has to be guarded and secured and this aircraft will help us achieve that somewhat.  All are now being built. With these, the MMEA would be world class. This amphibious aircraft is unique because it can suck-in 4,000 litres of water in just 12 seconds. Apart from maritime enforcement, it can also be used to put out forest fires or big fires elsewhere.”