- 01 Jul 2020
- Mike Chase
- Jet Comparisons
The Bombardier Challenger business jet family has been a major presence in the Business Aviation market for thirty years, something that continues today through the Bombardier Challenger 350 Super Mid-Size Jet and Challenger 650 Large Jet platforms.
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A Bombardier Challenger business jet costs between $26.7m for a new Challenger 350 and $32.4m for a new Challenger 650, according to Aircraft Bluebook’s Fall 2022 data. However, depending on the age and condition of an aircraft, buyers can purchase a used Bombardier Challenger business jet for less. For example, Aircraft Bluebook’s Fall 2022 data shows that a 2014 model Challenger 605 retails for approximately $16m; a 2014 model Challenger 300 sells for $15m; and a much older 1983-model Challenger 601-1A costs $1.3m. The original Challenger 600 retails for approximately $1m, meanwhile.
In September 2022 there were 1,953 Bombardier Challenger jets flying worldwide, with 137 jets having retired from a total production of 2,118 units, per JETNET. The Challenger 300 has the largest in-operation fleet percentage, and of 457 units produced, 452 remained in operation.
Bombardier Challenger private jets offer maximum ranges varying from 2,880nm for the Challenger 600, up to 4,123nm for the Challenger 605 and 650, according to Conklin & de Decker. This data is based on four passengers flying with available fuel.
Several private jets compete with Bombardier Challenger jet models. Super Mid-Size Jet models by Cessna Aircraft, Dassault, Embraer and Gulfstream compete with the Challenger 300-series, while models from Dassault, Embraer and Gulfstream compete with the Challenger 600-series. For model-specific information, check out AvBuyer’s Jet Comparison articles.
Bombardier Challenger Jets Overview
By Gerrard Cowan - Editor, Aircraft Reviews
Bombardier Challenger Large Jet Models
The larger Challenger 600 series was initially developed by Canadair in the 1970s, before the Canadian company was acquired by Bombardier in the 1980s. The Challenger 600 was typically designed for between nine and 12 passengers, and offered all the benefits of a Large Jet. In fact, it was later developed into the CRJ100 and CRJ200 family of regional airliners.
The original Challenger 600 featured Honeywell ALF502L turbofan engines, but there have been a number of developments in the family since – beginning with the General Electric CF34-powered Challenger 601-1A. This was upgraded with the Challenger 601-3A, the Challenger 601-3AER, and the Challenger 601-3R, respectively, each utilizing new variants of the CF34 powerplant and providing operational improvements over the previous models).
The Challenger 604 was introduced next, followed by the Challenger 605, and each model was built with progressively more powerful engines, improved performance, upgraded airframes and other developments.
Subsequently, the Challenger 650 – launched in 2014 – has established itself as Bombardier’s best-selling Large Jet platform. The aircraft can hold up to 12 passengers, and its Bombardier Vision flight deck offers Synthetic Vision System, MultiScan weather radar systems and a range of other features. The aircraft incorporates a Collins Aerospace ProLine 21 Advanced avionics suite with four large displays, a dual flight management system with LPV and RNP approach capabilities, a Dual Inertial Reference System.
Bombardier Challenger Super Mid-Size Jet Models
The Bombardier Challenger 300-series of Super Mid-Size Jets has been on the market since 2004, and was launched as the Bombardier Continental at the Paris Air Show in 1999.
The Challenger 300 was a ‘clean sheet’ design, offering a bridge in Bombardier’s product range between the upper-end of the Learjet series and the larger Challenger 600-series platforms. Typically configured to seat nine and offering a range of 3,065nm, the Honeywell HTF7000-powered Challenger 300 incorporates a ProLine 21 avionics suite.
In 2014, the Challenger 350 jet replaced the Challenger 300 on Bombardier’s production line, and is an improved, modified version of the original. Among the improvements are increased passenger comfort levels from an all-new cabin; increased performance from the new twin HTF7350 powerplants; increased aerodynamic efficiency with new canted winglets; and the ability to fly eight passengers 3,200nm.
The Challenger 350 can hold up to 10 passengers, and has a Collins Aerospace ProLine 21 Advanced avionics suite. It has one of the largest and quietest cabins in its class, according to Bombardier, and the lowest in-class operating costs, thanks to its longer maintenance intervals, low parts cost and increased efficiency and reliability.
The OEM also highlights the Challenger 350’s steep approach and short-field performance capabilities, with the ability to operate in and out of a number of challenging airports.
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