The document I quoted from was written around 1992.
Viking has acquired Bombardier’s Amphibious Aircraft program, which includes Type Certificates for CL-215 and CL-415 and after-market services.
The company has produced a further modernised model of the aircraft, designated as the CL-515 or the Viking Canadair 515 First Responder. This will carry 7000Lts
The next available new production aircraft is 2025.
We have missed the boat!!
That assumes the 415/515 is the right aircraft.
But if you also think that a few surplus airline pilots can step into a Large Air Tanker then read this:
https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/577867...lBlsPZaBBEnSig