1980 – 1983
The Bombardier Challenger 600 series has had many variants and proven to be popular.
By October 2018, they built 1,066 jets since starting in 1980.
It has flown over 7.5 million hours, making it a key player in private aviation.
This aircraft is famous for its wide cabin. It was first called the Learstar 600, made by Canadair and Bill Lear.
Certified in 1980, it has grown to include advanced features like a supercritical wing and backup power systems.
The Challenger 600 series can carry two crew and 11 to 16 passengers. It’s a twin turbofan, large-cabin business jet. It’s a top pick for those who own or operate private jets.
Key Takeaways
- The Bombardier Challenger 600 series has over 1,000 jets built and 7.5 million total flight hours.
- It features a wide cabin, supercritical wing, four backup power systems, and seating for 11-16 passengers.
- The Challenger 600 was the first of the Challenger series, originally developed as the Learstar 600.
- Subsequent variants have received updates in systems, avionics, and increased weight capacities.
- The Challenger 600 series has been in production since 1980 and is a popular choice in the private aviation market.
Introduction to the Bombardier Challenger 600
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a top choice in business jets. It has been a key player in luxury travel and corporate aircraft for over 40 years. It was launched on October 29, 1976, and was built in Canada.
This aircraft was made to meet new standards and was tested a lot. It spent over 1,800 hours in wind tunnels, focusing on its supercritical wing.
The first Challenger 600 prototype was shown on May 25, 1978. It flew for the first time on November 8, 1978. This was a big step for Canadair, showing they were serious players in the aviation world.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft built as of October 2018 | 1,066 |
| Years the Bombardier Challenger 600 series was manufactured | 1980-present |
| First flight of the Bombardier Challenger 600 | November 8, 1978 |
| Number of Bombardier Challenger aircraft rolled out in May 2000 | 500 |
| Date on which the 1000th Bombardier Challenger aircraft was delivered to NetJets | December 2015 |
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is loved for its great performance and comfort. It’s a top pick for those who want a luxury flying experience. Next, we’ll look at what makes this aircraft stand out in the corporate aircraft market.
Key Specifications
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a heavy business jet known for its impressive specs and long-range travel. It measures 63 feet long and has a wingspan of 53.3 feet. This makes it a top pick for those who love private flying.
This jet can fly up to 2,909 nautical miles on one tank of fuel. It has a max takeoff weight of 41,250 pounds. Its powerful engines make it fast and versatile.
The Challenger 600 has a low-mounted wing and a T-tail. It also has a tricycle landing gear with twin wheels. This design ensures a smooth ride for passengers. It can carry up to 19 people, but usually seats 10 to 12.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 63 ft (19 m) |
| Wingspan | 53.3 ft (16.2 m) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 0.85 |
| Range | 2,909 nautical miles (5,387 km) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 41,250 lbs (18,711 kg) |
| Passenger Capacity | 10-19 (typical executive layout: 10-12) |
Engine and Performance
The Bombardier Challenger 600 has two Lycoming ALF 502L turbofan engines. Each engine produces 7,500 pounds of thrust. This business jet is known for its jet engine performance and business jet capabilities.
It can fly at speeds of 527 mph (848 km/h) and 461 mph (743 km/h over long distances. The aircraft can climb at a rate of 4,450 ft/min. It reaches a service ceiling of 41,000 ft (12,497 m).
The takeoff distance is 5,700 ft (1,737 m) at sea level. It needs 3,050 ft (930 m) for landing.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 x Lycoming ALF 502L turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 7,500 lbs |
| Cruise Speed | 527 mph (848 km/h) |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed | 461 mph (743 km/h) |
| Climb Rate | 4,450 ft/min |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft (12,497 m) |
| Takeoff Distance (Sea Level) | 5,700 ft (1,737 m) |
| Landing Distance | 3,050 ft (930 m) |
Interior Features
The Bombardier Challenger 600 has a large and stylish private jet cabin. It’s 8 feet 2 inches wide, 6 feet 1 inch tall, and 28 feet 3 inches long. This makes its cabin volume 1,403 cubic feet, giving passengers plenty of room to move.
The cabin is known for its quiet and smooth ride. It’s set up with a four-chair club section and a conference area or divans. This allows passengers to work or relax during the flight.
The Challenger 600 also has a forward galley and an aft lavatory. These add to the convenience for passengers. It can hold up to 12 suitcases in its 115 cubic feet of baggage space.
With its private jet cabin and useful features, the Bombardier Challenger 600 is a top choice. It offers a luxury aircraft interior experience for those who travel in style.
Safety and Certification
The Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft went through a strict certification process. This ensured top aircraft safety and aviation certification standards. It got its type certification from Transport Canada on August 10, 1980. Then, the FAA certified it on November 7, 1980.
The certification involved a detailed flight test program. Sadly, a tragic incident occurred on April 3, 1980. A failure in the recovery chute mechanism caused a crash, killing 2 out of 3 people. This event highlighted the critical need for safety in aviation.
Bombardier made significant improvements in safety procedures and design after this incident. Their dedication to aircraft safety and aviation certification is clear. CAE, a top provider of civil aviation training, offers extensive training programs.
CAE’s programs focus on safety, with 25% of them dedicated to it. They cover topics like Avionics Essentials and Practical Aircraft Wiring. These programs are updated regularly to meet industry standards and regulations.
The Challenger 600’s strict certification and Bombardier’s focus on safety have made it a reliable choice in private aviation.
Operating Costs
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is known for being cost-effective. It uses about 316 gallons of fuel per hour. This makes it more efficient than bigger private jets. But, costs can change based on things like maintenance, crew pay, and hangar fees.
Let’s look at the costs of other popular jets:
- The Bombardier Global 6000 and Global 6500 cost between $1.1 million and $2.2 million a year. This depends on how much they fly.
- For these models, fixed costs like crew pay, training, and insurance are about $700,000 yearly.
- Variable costs can be $1.1 million for 200 hours or $2.2 million for 400 hours.
- The Bombardier Challenger 850 costs $3,544.71 an hour to run.
- The HondaJet is more affordable, with an hourly cost of $1,134.90.
- The Gulfstream G650 costs $4,843.16 an hour, and the Airbus ACJ320 is the priciest at $7,964.69.
- The Cirrus Vision SF50 has the lowest cost at $661.53 an hour.
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a good choice for those who want to save money. It’s a balance of performance and cost, fitting well in the business aviation expenses category.
Acquisition Costs
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a key player in the business jet market. Since production stopped in 1983, all Challengers are now pre-owned.
Prices for these jets vary, from $700,000 to $900,000, depending on the aircraft’s state, flight hours, and any upgrades.
For those considering buying an aircraft, knowing the Challenger 600’s costs is essential. Over 1,060 of these jets have been made since 1980.
This makes pre-owned options plentiful. To understand current prices, it’s wise to talk to an aircraft broker or look at recent sales.
| Aircraft Type | Approximate Price Range |
|---|---|
| Light Business Jets | $8 million to $13 million |
| Mid-Range Business Jets (including some Challenger models) | $17 million to $31 million |
| Heavy Business Jets (like those offered by Bombardier) | Around $50 million |
Knowing the costs of the Bombardier Challenger 600 helps investors plan their business jet prices and aircraft investment better.
Market Comparison
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a top pick in the large-cabin business jet market. It’s known for its spacious cabin and long range. This makes it a favorite among executives and wealthy individuals.
It stands out when compared to rivals like the Gulfstream II or Falcon 50. The Challenger 600 is praised for its comfort and size.
The private jet market is very competitive. Newer Challenger models and other planes offer better fuel efficiency and tech. For example, the Challenger 650 can carry up to 19 passengers. It has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and can fly at 652 miles per hour.
The Cessna Citation Longitude can hold nine passengers. It has a top speed of 446 knots and a range of 2,700 nautical miles.
In the US private aviation market, Cessna leads with over 35% share. Bombardier has a 12.5% share. Cessna’s Citation family, with over 2,000 jets since 1991, is a big success. Bombardier’s Challenger family offers larger jets.
| Aircraft Model | Passenger Capacity | Range (nm) | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bombardier Challenger 650 | Up to 19 | 4,000 | 652 |
| Cessna Citation Longitude | 9 | 2,700 | 446 |
| Bombardier Challenger 600 | Up to 19 | 3,400 | 528 |
The private jet market keeps changing. Cessna and Bombardier are key players in different segments. The Challenger 600 is a top choice in the large-cabin category.
Ownership Experience
Owning a Bombardier Challenger 600 private jet is a special experience. It’s perfect for those who love planes and business professionals. The Challenger’s performance and features make it a favorite among jet owners. It offers unmatched flexibility and comfort during travel.
One big plus of owning a Challenger 600 is its ability to land at many airports. This includes smaller regional airfields. It cuts down travel time, letting users reach their destinations faster. This is great for those who travel to hard-to-reach places, giving them more control over their schedules.
But owning a private jet comes with more than just enjoying the flight. Owners must handle maintenance, crew schedules, and follow rules to keep the jet safe and running well. Many choose to work with aircraft management companies. This way, they can focus on their work or leisure without worrying about the jet’s upkeep.
The Challenger 600 is known for its reliability, performance, and luxury. By using the jet’s features and teaming up with skilled management providers, owners can have a great private jet experience. It’s tailored to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Availability and Trends
The Bombardier Challenger 600 has been a top choice in business jets since 1978. Today, 51 of the 81 built are still flying. Most of these, 49%, are in North America, followed by 18% in South America and 8% in Africa.
This shows the aircraft’s lasting appeal. It’s known for its design quality and impressive abilities.
But, with newer Challenger models coming out, some owners might want to upgrade. The Challenger 650, for example, has almost 1,000 units sold. It brings new features and better performance for today’s business flyers.
| Region | Percentage of Challenger 600 Aircraft |
|---|---|
| North America | 49% |
| South America | 18% |
| Africa | 8% |
The Challenger 600’s lasting popularity in the market shows its value. As the aviation world changes, the Challenger 600 stays a favorite among business jet owners.
Potential Upgrades
The Bombardier Challenger 600’s airframe is still competitive. But, its avionics and engines might need upgrades for better performance. Modernizing the aircraft and upgrading avionics can boost its abilities and value. It also helps meet new rules and regulations.
Aircraft Management Solutions (AMS) upgraded a 1990s Bombardier Canadair 601-3A for $4.5 million. This made it fly 3,800 nautical miles. The total cost included over $2 million for inspections.
Other aircraft have also seen upgrades. For example, Romco Equipment Company spent $400,000 on a Garmin G1000 Platinum Package for a King Air 350. Elliott Aviation has done over 90 flight deck upgrades for King Airs. Romco’s project was finished in just three weeks.
| Upgrade Project | Cost | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| AMS Bombardier Canadair 601-3A | $4.5 million | 3,800-nautical-mile capability |
| Romco King Air 350 Garmin G1000 | $400,000 | 3-week installation |
Owners of the Bombardier Challenger 600 should talk to authorized service centers. They can find approved upgrades like modern glass cockpits and better navigation systems. These changes can make the aircraft fly better, last longer, and be more valuable.
Regulatory Considerations
Operators of the Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft must follow many aviation rules. These rules ensure the aircraft is safe and airworthy. They cover maintenance, pilot training, and procedures.
As the Challenger 600 gets older, owners face new rules. This includes changes for reduced vertical separation minimums (RVSM) and updated navigation. Keeping up with these changes is key for the aircraft’s operation.
In June 2019, B/E Aerospace wanted to add seats with 3-point harnesses and pretensioner systems to the Challenger 600. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) looked at these changes. They set special conditions to make sure the pretensioner system is safe and reliable.
| Special Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1-5 | Ensure the pretensioner system activates when intended and provides necessary protection for occupants under various accident conditions. |
| 6-11 | Address maintenance and reliability of the pretensioner system to ensure it functions as intended. |
The FAA’s review shows how important it is to follow aviation regulations and aircraft compliance for the Bombardier Challenger 600. By following these rules, owners can keep their aircraft safe and in good working order.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Bombardier Challenger 600 has made a big mark in business aviation. It set new standards for comfort and range that many still value today. Even though newer models have come out, the Challenger 600 is still a great choice for those wanting a big, capable private jet.
The Challenger 600’s legacy is clear in the success of the Challenger series and its impact on private aviation. If you’re thinking about business jet investment or looking into private aviation in the future, the Challenger 600 is worth considering. It offers a mix of performance, luxury, and value that appeals to many.
The Challenger 600 shows the innovation and skill that Bombardier has brought to private aviation. Whether you’re already a private jet owner or just starting to look into it, the Challenger 600 is definitely worth looking at.
FAQ
What are the key specifications of the Bombardier Challenger 600?
The Bombardier Challenger 600 is a large business jet. It’s 63 ft long, with a wingspan of 53.3 ft. It can fly up to Mach 0.85 and has a range of 2,909 nautical miles.
Its maximum takeoff weight is 41,250 lbs.
What engines power the Challenger 600?
The Challenger 600 uses two Lycoming ALF 502L turbofan engines. Each engine produces 7,500 pounds of thrust. It cruises at 527 mph and flies at 461 mph for long distances.
What interior features does the Challenger 600 have?
The Challenger 600 has a wide cabin. It’s 8 ft 2 in wide, 6 ft 1 in high, and 28 ft 3 in long. This gives it a total volume of 1,403 cu ft.
It has a four-chair club section and a forward galley. There’s also an aft lavatory.
How safe is the Challenger 600?
The Challenger 600 got its type certification in 1980. It went through rigorous testing. Unfortunately, a crash in 1980 led to safety improvements.
What are the typical operating costs for the Challenger 600?
The Challenger 600 uses about 316 gallons of fuel per hour. Costs vary based on maintenance, crew salaries, and hangar fees. For detailed costs, use aviation cost tools or talk to a private aviation company.
How much does a Challenger 600 cost to acquire?
Buying a Challenger 600’s price varies. It depends on the aircraft’s condition, hours flown, and upgrades. Get current prices from an aircraft broker or recent sales data.
How does the Challenger 600 compare to other business jets in its class?
The Challenger 600 is in the large-cabin business jet category. It’s known for its wide cabin and long range. Compared to the Gulfstream II or Falcon 50, it offers more space and comfort.
Newer Challenger models and competitors might have better fuel efficiency and avionics.
What are the benefits and challenges of owning a Challenger 600?
Owning a Challenger 600 offers flexibility and comfort. It can land at smaller airports, saving time. But, it requires maintenance, crew management, and following aviation rules.
Many owners use professional aircraft management companies for these tasks.
How many Challenger 600 aircraft are currently in operation?
There are 51 Challenger 600s flying out of 81 built. North America has the most, followed by South America and Africa. Its long-lasting presence shows its quality and demand.
What upgrades are available for the Challenger 600?
The Challenger 600’s airframe is still competitive. But, its avionics and engines might need updates. Upgrades like glass cockpits, new navigation systems, and fuel-efficient engines can improve its performance and value.
Owners should talk to authorized service centers for approved upgrades.
What regulatory considerations are involved in operating a Challenger 600?
Challenger 600 operators must follow many aviation rules. These include maintenance, pilot training, and operational procedures. As the aircraft ages, owners must keep up with new rules, like RVSM or updated navigation.
Staying informed about regulations is key for safe operation.
Featured Image: Jean-Claude Caprara / Shutterstock.com
