Pompiers du Ciel, Canadair CL415 1/72
As it scoops, the CANADAIR touches the surface at 130 km/hr and begins to hydroplane.
It continues to fly nevertheless, controlled by the flight controls and engines, its nose held up at 7° to avoid any damage by the waves. A 110 km/hr, the two scoops are taken out. During the 12 seconds it takes to fill up, the pilot pulls the joy stick to prevent the nose of the plane diving and readjusts the power of the engines to maintain its speed. With the scoops back in and the engines at full throttle, the pilot “hydroplanes” at 145 km/hr, the plane heavier by 6 tons. A level-off at very low height enables the plane to get back to a safe speed (177km/h) before gaining altitude again and heading towards the fire.
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