View Full Version : Water bombers
Dr Jekyll
18th Oct 2015, 14:16
Were Lancasters ever used as water bombers? They would seem an obvious choice for conversion, many built in Canada and with a huge bomb bay. But I've never heard of one converted, so why not?
PersonFromPorlock
18th Oct 2015, 16:40
According to the last entry on this page, the author checked and there were never any Lancaster water bombers: Lancer's luverly idea (http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php?topic=5787.15;wap2)
There was at least one good try at one, though: Lancaster KB-885 (http://www.bombercommandmuseum.ca/lanckb885.html)
54Phan
19th Oct 2015, 15:47
IIRC, KB976 was also considered for conversion to a water bomber.
India Four Two
20th Oct 2015, 02:18
Strange choice, a landplane would have to return to a runway and then be reloaded with water, whereas a flying boat can pick up water from any smooth water surface.
Not really. Most water bombers are and have been landplanes.
ICT_SLB
20th Oct 2015, 02:57
The only modern production water bomber is an amphibian, the Bombardier CL415, sadly rumored to now be out of production. The normal mode of water replenishment is by scooping from a suitable body of water but it was also certified by the USDA for being filled by hydrant like the majority of conversions.
crackling jet
20th Oct 2015, 08:52
How long does it take to refill the tanks on a 747 or DC10 on average ?, i know it depends on hydrant pressures
The Beriev Be-200 is still in production....
DaveReidUK
20th Oct 2015, 18:37
The Beriev Be-200 is still in production....
Given that they have only managed to build 10 or so of them in the last dozen years, it's hard to tell. :O
N707ZS
21st Oct 2015, 07:20
Air Tractor 802 amphibians are becoming more popular these days, quick one man operation when scooping from a lake.
Moose47
27th Oct 2015, 16:32
G'day
https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/bombardier-pulls-out-68724
Cheers...Chris