Bombardier Challenger 601-3A

Overview & History

The Challenger 601-3A long-range business jet has made leaps and bounds from the original Challenger 600.

With better performing engines, greater range and increased reliability, the -3A variant offers plenty of desirable qualities in its class, even two decades later.

1,600 Bombardier Challengers are in-service; the fleet has logged 7.3 million hours over 4.3 million flights. The Challenger 601-3A was developed as the second variant of the Challenger 601, after the 601-1A.

The Challenger 601 has evolved considerably from its predecessor, the original Challenger 600.

When the first Challenger 601 was certificated in March 1983, the most notable improvement was the replacement of the 600’s troublesome Lycoming ALF 502 engines with the far more reliable GE CF34 engines.

This made up for most of the 600’s shortcomings, but aerodynamic refinements and other improvements have also contributed to the advancement of the aircraft to a higher level of performance and reliability.

Range has also increased significantly: the original Challenger 600’s disappointingly short legs have been vindicated by the CL-601-3A’s 3,290 nm capability.

The CL-601-3A, with the newer -3A variant of the GE CF34 turbofan engine, made its first flight in September 1986 and was certificated in April 1987 with 134 aircraft delivered through 1993.

Bombardier Challenger 601-3A Performance

The original CL-600 Challenger was powered by a pair of Lycoming ALF 502L turbofan engines, which was developed specifically for the Challenger.

Subsequent models would adopt other power plants, including the General Electric CF34 engine.

The engines are mounted on the rear fuselage close to the aircraft’s tail, providing smooth airflow to the engines even when flown at high angles of attack, although this was in a lower position than the original Learstar concept had placed them to mitigate against unfavorable pitch control characteristics. The engines are fitted with thrust reversers to decrease landing distances.

An auxiliary power unit is also present for starting the engines and providing air conditioning within the cabin while on the ground.

The -3A’s single greatest improvement is the General Electric CF24-3A high-bypass engines. Each engine is rated at a considerable 8,650 lbs of thrust at takeoff, while the inspection interval is 6,000 hours.

As a result, the 601-3A is capable of traveling 3,290 nautical miles in one trip and at 0.85 Mach.

The Challenger 601-3A has a maximum range (subject to headwinds, high altitude, hot temperatures, or higher capacity) of 3,784 miles and a maximum speed of 459 knots. Jet hourly fuel burn is 310 Gallons per Hour. Takeoff at Sea Level is 5,400 feet and the landing distance is 2,762 feet.

Bombardier Challenger 601-3A Interior

Cabin Height is approximately 6feet 1inch, while cabin width is 8feet 2inches, cabin length is 28feet 4inches, and cabin volume is 1,035cu feet.

The door height and width are 5 feet 8 inches and 3 feet respectively.

The dimensions make it comfortable for 9 passengers, with the maximum configuration seating 16.

The baggage compartment can hold up to 16 bags, assuming your average piece of luggage is less than 5 cubic feet.

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.

This jet is known for its low noise level that makes the passenger very comfortable.

Whether you and your friends fly in the Challenger 601 1A jet, Challenger 3A, or Challenger 3R aircraft you can rest assured your flight is safe sound, and fully rested.

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 an HF radio set and VHF navigational aids can be installed.

Bombardier Challenger 601-3A Charter Cost

The cost to charter a Challenger 601-3A starts at around $6,100 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 Price

The acquisition cost for the Challenger 600 typically ranges from $18 million.

The price of a jet depends on the production year; it can also go above the given range if the product is new.

It will cost buyers around $200k-400k a year which includes fuel, crew members, and maintenance, etc.

The price of a pre-owned jet can be within $2 million.