Positive Aviation FF72-X1 Receives First Composite Float

This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.

On July 23, 2026, French aerospace Startups Positive Aviation received the first 17-meter composite scooping float for its FF72-X1 amphibious firefighting demonstrator. The Delivery marks a critical industrial milestone in the company’s effort to convert the Avions de Transport Régional (ATR) 72-600 regional turboprop into a high-capacity water scooper capable of replacing the out-of-production Canadair CL-415.

In an official statement, Positive Aviation confirmed the transfer of the 1.2-metric-ton float from the Manufacturing facility of naval composite specialist Multiplast in Vannes, France, to the Airbus Technocentre in Nantes. The component will undergo initial assembly in Nantes before final integration onto the ATR 72 airframe at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The project aims to address a growing global shortage of purpose-built aerial firefighting assets.

Engineering the FF72 scooping system

The FF72 program centers on modifying an existing ATR 72-600 airframe rather than designing a clean-sheet aircraft. Positive Aviation Chief Executive Officer Laurent Schmitt noted that building a new Canadair equivalent from scratch presents a colossal challenge, driving the strategy to adapt the proven ATR 72 platform for amphibious operations.

The newly delivered floats are designed to withstand immense hydrodynamic forces. During operation, the FF72 will scoop water at speeds of 180 km/h, filling its 8-metric-ton (2,100-gallon) tanks in just 12 seconds. To achieve this, Positive Aviation partnered with Multiplast, a firm known for constructing high-performance racing yachts. Schmitt highlighted that the collaboration merges aeronautical precision with naval expertise in composite materials, ensuring the floats can endure the stresses of high-speed aquatic environments. The successful delivery of the first float was managed jointly by Elyssa Bejaoui of Positive Aviation and Maeg Lehoux of Multiplast.

Commercial backing and development timeline

The FF72 development is supported by an €8 million fundraising round completed on June 30, 2025, which financed the creation of the FF72-X1 demonstrator. The program has also secured early commercial interest from North-America operators. On March 25, 2025, Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding to become the launch customer, committing to 10 aircraft with options for 10 more. Bridger Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Sam Davis stated that the FF72 will be a valuable addition to their fleet amid increasing global demand for year-round aerial firefighting resources.

With the first float now in the assembly phase, Positive Aviation is targeting early 2027 for the commencement of the flight and water test campaign. The company plans to present the FF72-X1 demonstrator at the Paris Air Show in June 2027. Regulatory certification is targeted for 2028, with entry into service and initial deliveries to Bridger Aerospace projected for the 2029 wildfire season.

AirPro News analysis

We view the FF72 program as a highly pragmatic approach to a severe capability gap in the aerial firefighting sector. The cessation of Canadair CL-415 production left operators with aging fleets and few direct replacements. By leveraging the established ATR 72-600 supply chain and airframe, Positive Aviation bypasses the most capital-intensive phases of clean-sheet Commercial-Aircraft development.

The structural integration of 17-meter floats onto a commercial turboprop introduces significant aerodynamic and hydrodynamic complexities. The upcoming 2027 water testing phase will be the definitive proving ground for the structural integrity of the Multiplast composites and the modified airframe’s handling characteristics during the critical 12-second scooping maneuver. If successful, the FF72 could rapidly capture a substantial share of the global aerial firefighting market.

Sources: Positive Aviation