Bombardier Challenger 600

Overview & History

The Challenger 600 is a twin turbofan large-cabin wide-body business jet best recognized for its exceptionally wide cabin. It was one of the first business jets designed with a supercritical wing. The Challenger 600 has four backup power systems, thrust reversers, and APU. It is known to be a spacious, comfortable cabin with low noise and vibration levels.

As of April 2017, 100% of the Challenger 600 aircraft were purchased pre-owned by their current owners. Currently, 24.6% are for sale with a fraction of those (25%) under an exclusive broker agreement. When for sale, the average time on the market is 679 days.

The Challenger 600 was originally developed in the mid-1970s to be the Learstar 600 in collaboration between Canadair and Bill Lear of Learjet. In 1976 Canadair purchased the Learstar rights and redesigned it to be the Challenger. It was then certified in 1980. A total of 85 Challenger 600 aircraft have been manufactured with 65 in operation today.
 

Bombardier Challenger 600 Performance

Two Avco Lycoming ALF502L engines power the Challenger 600. They were modified to add supercharger stages to the low-pressure compressor, enabling more than 7,500 pounds of thrust on takeoff. The Challenger 600 can take off in 5,700 feet at sea level, or in 7,350 feet at 5,000 feet at a temperature of 77° Fahrenheit. Except when flying against the strongest headwinds, it can cross the United States nonstop.

The Challenger 600 has a maximum cruise speed of 453 knots, with a maximum cruise altitude of 41,000 feet. It burns 1,710 pounds of fuel per hour at its long-range cruise performance levels or 1,910 pounds per hour at maximum speed. On average, it consumes 262 gallons of fuel per hour. The Challenger 600 has four backup power systems. Its primary system is the 115-VAC 400-Hz electrical system.

It gives more power and voltage than the DC power systems usually installed in business jets. An AC alternator serves as the first backup system, and an AlliedSignal GTCP 36-100E APU along with another AC generator and air-driven generator (ADG) are the second and third backups. This system powers many of the Challenger 600’s functions: hydraulic pumps, wing flaps, landing lights, and various anti-ice systems. Its bleed air is used to start the engines and control environmental systems. Its maximum range is about 3231 miles, while takeoff and landing distance is about 5,700 feet and 2,538 feet.
 

Bombardier Challenger 600 Interior

On the inside, the Challenger 600’s cabin measures, just over 6 feet in height, over 8 feet in width, and just over 28 feet long. The door height and width are approximately 5 feet 8 inches and 3 feet respectively. It is usually configured to seat between nine and twelve passengers but can be configured for as many as nineteen. Needless to say, it’s a very roomy private jet. The cabin is comfortable not only for its size but also for its very low noise and vibration levels.

There are 115 cubic feet of baggage space available in an internal compartment. Pilots love to fly it, and passengers love the spacious, comfortable cabin and transcontinental range.

In a standard executive aircraft configuration, the cabin is divided between the forward galley, and two seating sections, which are typically fitted with a four-chair club section followed by either a conference grouping area or divans, along with a lavatory at the aft end. The chairs are fully reclining and can swivel, while the divans can serve as sleeping accommodation. Early examples feature luxuries such as telephones, lighting controls, and stereo systems; foldaway tables attached to the cabin walls were also installed, along with a pair of wardrobes, one fore and one aft, for storing hand luggage and other small items. It has multiple regulation-compliant emergency exits which are specially installed in it.

The maximum cabin altitude of the Challenger 650 is just 7,000 feet which is comparatively small when compared to other jets of the same size.

Cockpit

Various avionics are present upon the Challenger. As standard, the CL-600 is furnished with a dual-channel Sperry SPZ-600 automatic flight control system, incorporating a flight director and air data computers; more typical to larger commercial aircraft, this system is certifiable for conducting category 3A automatic landings.

The flight control system features significant redundancy, including three individual hydraulic systems; even with complete failure and the loss of one actuator, a viable level of assisted control over the key flight surfaces remains present. Weather radar and Marconi-built solid-state instrument displays are supplied as standard, as well as a Collins-built radio set; optional long-range radio-based equipment, such as a HF radio set and VHF navigational aids can be installed.

Bombardier Challenger 600 Charter Cost

The Challenger 600 is one of the most economical jets available for charter flights from and to New York, with a wide range of availability in several major aviation markets. The cost to charter a Challenger 600 starts at around $5,000 an hour.

Hourly charter rates do not include all taxes, fuel, and other fees. Charter costs will vary based on year of make/model, schedule, routing, passenger & baggage totals, and other factors

Purchase Cost

The acquisition cost for the Challenger 600 typically ranges from $7-8 million. The price of a jet depends on the production year; it can also go above the given range if the production is new. It will cost buyers $1.5 million a year which includes fuel, crew members, and maintenance, etc.

The price of a pre-owned Challenger 600 jet can be within $4 million.