Bombardier Challenger 3500

Overview & History of the Bombardier Challenger 3500

The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is the latest aircraft offering from the Canadian manufacturer. The aircraft replaces the outgoing Challenger 350 as the company’s super-midsize aircraft in their lineup.

The Challenger 3500 features technology and interior comfort features borrowed from the flagship Global 7500 aircraft. According to Bombardier president and CEO Éric Martel, the 3500 “features all the best-selling elements of the Challenger platform—impressive performance, consistent reliability, exceptional smooth ride—while elevating the cabin experience for our customers.”

While the Challenger 3500 is not a clean-sheet design but rather an evolution of the Challenger 350, there still remains a slight performance jump. This is seen with a marginally increased range, increased maximum cruise speed, and lower cabin altitude.

The cabin of the 3500 is full of innovation and firsts for a business jet.

Bombardier Challenger 3500 Performance

The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is powered by two rear-mounted Honeywell HTF7350 engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 7,323 lbs of thrust. This, therefore, results in a maximum combined thrust output of up to 14,646 lbs.

As a result, the Challenger 3500 claims to have a take-off distance of 4,835 feet (when at MTOW). Furthermore, Bombardier says that the 3500 will have a minimum landing distance of just 2,364 feet.

Compared with the outgoing Challenger 350 model, these figures remain identical.

However, not all performance figures remain identical to the previous generation. The range of the new model is claimed to have been extended to 3,400 nautical miles. This is over 200 nautical miles more than the previous Challenger 350. This, therefore, enables the 3500 to be able to fly non-stop between Western Europe and the East coast of the United States.

Furthermore, the maximum cruise speed of the 3500 has been improved. Cruise speed has increased from 448 knots to 470 knots. While this is only a difference of 22 knots, over a multi-hour mission this will provide increased time savings.

Another important metric is the estimated hourly fuel burn figure. While the new 3500 wears the same Honeywell engines as the previous generation 350, it is expected that fuel burn will be dramatically decreased. This is achieved through optimized flight efficiency.

Optimized flight efficiency is achieved through the use of Bombardier’s eco app. This app allows crews to maximize fuel efficiency. The app functions by using machine learning algorithms to continuously improve flight optimization models tailored to each operator’s specific aircraft characteristics and utilization.

Bombardier Challenger 3500 Interior

The interior of the Challenger 3500 is where Bombardier have clearly focused most of their development time. Within the cabin, there are impressive features that are not usually found on an aircraft of this size. The aircraft features industry-first technology, the revolutionary Nuage seat, and a striking interior. In Bombardier’s own words, all these factors combined results in “the ultimate cabin experience”.

Seats

Firstly, the Nuage seat. This, according to Bombardier, is the first new seat architecture in business aviation in over 30 years. The seat delivers class-defining comfort, along with the industry’s first zero-gravity position. Moreover, these seats are developed straight from the Global 7500. This is an aircraft that is developed for the longest of missions. Therefore, if the seats are suitable for the flagship aircraft, then they are more than suitable for this super-midsize offering.

The patented tilt link system for a zero-gravity position provides a neutral body posture to reduce pressure on the lower back. Furthermore, this provides even-weight distribution for effortless comfort and improved circulation. Moreover, when in the upright position the Nuage seat’s leg rest features a swept-back design. This, therefore, allows passengers to tuck their feet behind their knees for a more natural and comfortable seated position.

Additionally, Bombardier say that the Nuage seat is “engineered to move as you do”. Therefore, the seats can be found with a unique floating base with a trackless footprint and permanently centered swivel axis for simple and intuitive positioning. Consequently, the seats are exceptionally easy to maneuver whether you wish to work, talk, dine or rest.

And finally, the Nuage seats also feature an industry-exclusive tilting headrest. Having been designed with the intent of ergonomic perfection, the tilting headrest provides optimal neck support and alignment in any position.

Technology

Next up is inflight technology – an area where Bombardier have really excelled. The cabin features the industry’s first voice-controlled cabin. While this is a feature that is common in homes and vehicles, the cabin of a business jet provides some challenging development obstacles. However, Bombardier have been able to develop, what they call, “the smartest cabin in the industry”.

Rather than controlling the cabin through the integrated cabin management system or the Bombardier app, passengers can instead use their voice. For example, passengers are able to control the lighting, temperature, entertainment, and flight information all through voice control.

Moreover, the voice control system has been designed to work without an internet connection. Therefore, the voice control system delivers a fast, reliable, and private solution.

An additional feature that passengers will appreciate is the first-in-class wireless chargers located throughout the cabin. This, therefore, allows passengers to charge their compatible phone without the requirements for power cables.

Additionally, this plays into the increased integration between the aircraft and the user’s personal devices. For example, passengers can connect their phone, tablet, or other electronic devices to the cabin. This allows passengers to stream audio and video content directly to the cabin. However, the connectivity doesn’t stop there. The onboard media bay can accommodate and connect to the most popular streaming devices and the latest gaming consoles.

The innovations in the cabin of the Challenger 3500 don’t stop there either. The 3500 introduces the first use of haptic touch technology on a business jet. This is similar to the tap or vibration that you feel when using your phone. Therefore, the 3500 cabin control switches all feature feedback when pressed. As a result, user experience is enhanced and provides instant feedback to passengers that their command has been successful.

Environment

According to Bombardier, when first entering the cabin of the 3500 you “will discover a cabin where spaciousness and style converge”. They say that the Challenger 3500 features the widest cabin in its class. And, of course, the 3500 features a flat floor design. The resulting benefit is the ability to safely move around the cabin with unrestricted movement throughout the cabin.

Furthermore, the sound insulation within the cabin has been taken straight from the flagship Global 7500. Therefore, the cabin of the 3500 is, according to Bombardier, the quietest in its class. The result is minimal exterior noise, therefore reducing stress while maximizing comfort and productivity.

The Challenger 3500 also benefits from a low cabin altitude and fresh air system. This additionally helps passengers to arrive at their destination feeling relaxed and refreshed. When cruising at 41,000 feet the Challenger 3500 has a cabin altitude of just 4,850 feet. In comparison, the Challenger 350 has a cabin altitude of around 7,000 feet when cruising at the same altitude. Combin this with the fresh air system that can completely replace the cabin air with fresh air in under two minutes, and this will surely be one of the most comfortable cabins around.

Cockpit

In the words of Bombardier, “the Challenger 3500 aircraft features the best-equipped cockpit in its class with more baseline equipment than the competition, superior aesthetics and is equipped to meet current and upcoming navigational requirements.”

Features include:

Bombardier Challenger 3500 Charter Cost

Despite the fact that the Challenger 3500 is yet to be certified, it is possible to provide an estimated hourly charter price. This, of course, is heavily influenced by the cost to charter the Challenger 350.

Naturally, there are a variety of factors that influence the charter cost of a private jet. Therefore, please note that the following figures are estimates only and real-world values may differ.

However, based on the estimated charter cost of the previous generation Challenger 350, it is estimated that the Challenger 3500 has an hourly charter rate of $5,500.

Purchase Price

Amazingly, when it comes to the purchase price of the Bombardier Challenger 3500, it remains identical to the outgoing model.

The Challenger 3500 has a list price of $26.7 million. Of course, this is before customization occurs. And, as you would expect, there is an awful lot of customization available. In fact, you can customize your own aircraft using Bombardier’s configurator tool.

Of course, it isn’t yet possible to see what the depreciation curve of this aircraft looks like as there aren’t any on the pre-owned market. However, it is predicted that the aircraft will depreciate in a very similar way to the Challenger 350.