Rethinking the
CL-415 water scoop.

A collaborative approach to a specialised replacement component.

CL-415 firefighting aircraft releasing water in flight, as pictured in Aerospace Manufacturing — CL-415 aircraft in flight. Image source: Aerospace Manufacturing feature.

THE PROJECT

Complex geometry.
A different approach.

As reported by Aerospace Manufacturing, Aerotex and Levy’s Machine Works developed and certified a metal 3D-printed water scoop for the CL-415.

The challenge

The scoop’s internal passages and intricate geometry made conventional CNC machining an impractical route. The project explored an alternative to the original casting process.

The approach

Laser powder bed fusion enabled the complex shape. The work combined additive manufacturing, material and process validation, inspection, testing and subsequent machining.

The outcome

The feature reports a Transport Canada-approved production process and shorter lead times for this component. The project shows how engineering and manufacturing partners can work together on a specific parts-supply challenge.

Project source: “Fighting fire with innovation”, Mike Richardson, Aerospace Manufacturing, 6 October 2026.

A closer look at the scoop design.

CAD rendering showing the exterior geometry of the CL-415 water scoop — Exterior geometry — CAD rendering. Image source: Aerospace Manufacturing feature.

Transparent CAD rendering showing internal passages of the CL-415 water scoop — Internal passages — transparent CAD rendering. Image source: Aerospace Manufacturing feature.

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Tell us what needs to work.

Share the aircraft model, part number if available, and the problem you’re trying to solve. Photos, drawings and your required timeframe help us understand the next step.

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CL-415 Water-Scoop Project

Rethinking the CL-415 water scoop.

Complex geometry. A different approach.