Comtek Advanced Structures Ltd., a Latecoere Company has been awarded the design-build contract for composite floors on the De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited De Havilland Canadair 515. The scope includes the complete flooring system for cabin and cockpit areas.

The De Havilland Canadair 515 (DHC-515) is a new production purpose-built amphibious firefighting aircraft developed by De Havilland Canada as an update to the CL-415 waterbomber. Building on the exceptional operational capability of the CL-415, this next generation aircraft offers added benefits to operators, including design changes that incorporate new materials and corrosion protection to reduce maintenance costs, along with a complete upgrade of the flight deck with an advanced avionics suite.

Comtek will supply a modernized flooring system that incorporates advanced composite materials and lightweight panel design. Panels will be fabricated on Comtek’s highly optimized panel production line located in Burlington, Ontario.

“We are excited to build on our growing relationship with De Havilland Canada by bringing our advanced composites design and manufacturing expertise to the DHC-515 program”, said Robin Lovell, President of Comtek Advanced Structures. “As a leading aircraft flooring supplier, we have the know-how to help De Havilland Canada reach their performance and longevity goals.”

Earlier this year, Comtek became the floor system supplier for De Havilland Canada’s Twin Otter Classic 300-GTM, further strengthening the relationship between the two Canadian companies.

Comtek has a 30-year history supporting De Havilland Canada’s Dash 8 aircraft with flooring systems and structural repair services. With its unique repairs capabilities Comtek has become a premier repair facility for the Dash 8 program with operator and MRO customers world-wide. Comtek intends to also support the fleet of aerial firefighters (CL-215/415 and DHC-515) with similar repair services as the company continues to grow its support to De Havilland Canada and its fleets.