How Fast Can Aircraft In The Bombardier Challenger 600 Series Fly?

Bombardier Aerospace is one of the major aircraft manufacturers in the world. Its innovative and reliable jets provide world-class experience, promising comfort, energy efficiency and safety. Among many features, speed, luxury and utility are also the keywords when it comes to delivering high quality results. With that in mind, the company developed a family of business jets called the Bombardier Challenger 600 series that became one of the most popular jets on the market.

Have you ever wondered what makes these aircraft stand out from the crowd, and how fast they can fly? Let’s have a look at the Bombardier Challenger 600 series (600/601/604/605/650).

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Models of jets

Jets are meant to operate at high-speed cruising and these prototypes kept their word. The series encompasses a range of models, including the Challenger 601, Challenger 604, Challenger 605, and the last prototype, Challenger 650, each offering different proficiency.

The Challenger 600, powered by two Lycoming ALF 502L turbofan engines, set the foundation of the project, generating a new era of innovation. Thanks to its aerodynamic design, large cabin and high performance, the jet conquered the aviation market, becoming a first choice for high-end clients. The avionics systems are equipped with features such as head-up display and terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) that focus on developing pilot interfaces, leading to more control and better situational awareness.

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.80
• Range: 4,600 miles (7,400 km)
• Takeoff: 5,640 ft (1,720 m)
• Landing: 2,402 ft (732 m)

The Bombardier Challenger 601 is a more developed version. Thanks to its advanced winglets, the aircraft could reduce drag and develop its lift capacity. Powered by a General Electric CF34 turbofan engine, it is composed of advanced blended materials that reduced the overall weight, improved fuel efficiency, increased the aircraft’s strength, and limited maintenance costs. Some features have been enhanced, such as an ultra-modern avionics system, an advanced autopilot, and intensified cockpit display.

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.85
• Range: 3,380 miles (5,439 km)
• Takeoff: 5,400 ft (1,645 m)
• Landing: 2,750 ft (838 m)

First delivered in 1995, the Bombardier Challenger 604 was introduced with upgraded features as an improvement to the previous model. It presents boosted performance and landing weights, higher take-off, renovated interior finishes and larger fuel tanks. It can complete an eight-hour no-stop flight, making it suitable for both short and mid-long transfers. Here, engineers worked meticulously to adjust the jet’s features for a better performance, resulting in cutting-edge technology and upper-level service.

The Bombardier 604 is equipped with two General Electric CF34-3B turbofan engines, each providing 8,729 lbs thrust at take-off. Inside, Collins ProLine 4 avionics configure the glass cockpit, with multiple screens, flight director systems, and all-digital air data computers. More than 300 models were produced, becoming the bestselling jet, until the end of its days in 2006.

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.80
• Range: 2,230 m (3,588 km)
• Takeoff: 5,840 ft (1,780 m)
• Landing: 2,358 ft (719 m)

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Manufactured between 2006 and 2016, the Bombardier Challenger 605 stands out from the crowd thanks to its improved Pro Line 21 avionics suite that ensures better and more precise navigation and flight management. The aircraft, with an extended range of 4,000 NM, can perform long-distance flights and stay in the air for up to six hours, becoming a first choice for international trips.

Moreover, the GPS system and the inertial reference units secure reliability and a prime arial awareness. For more comfort, larger screens have been installed to allow more light to come in, and the seats have been renovated.

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.80
• Range: 4,603 miles (7,491km)
• Takeoff: 5,840 ft (1,780 m)
• Landing: 2,360 ft (719 m)

The last one of the family, the Bombardier Challenger 650, is the result of state-of-the-art technology that led to a higher level of performance and cockpit innovation. Increased cruising speed, fuel efficiency and range are what best characterize this new model. Powered by Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft can speed up to 652 mph. Pilots can better navigate through a modern Vision Flight Deck that features a Synthetic Vision System (SVS), as well as up-to-date avionics systems.

This new prototype is also the winning choice among clients thanks to its reliability and safety, provided by datalink weather services and maintenance solutions.

For a more lavish experience, the jet is equipped with a refined cabin design, sound-insulating entry door, unlimited baggage access, wider seats and personalized interior options. In 2016, the Bombardier Business Aircraft Market Forecast predicted a delivery of more than 790 jets in Latin America up to 2025, making the model 650 the right option for clients in Mexico that require flying in the country and to the US.

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.85
• Range: 4,643 miles
• Takeoff: 5,640 ft (1,719 m)
• Landing: 2,402 ft (732 m)

Photo | InsectWorld | Shutterstock

Brief history of the Bombardier Challenger 600 series

The Bombardier Challenger 600 comprises a set of aircraft that have improved their features throughout the years. Created by Bill Lear’s idea to find a mid-sized business jet and developed by Canadair, the aircraft passed into the new ownership of Bombardier Aerospace in 1986.

In 1975, Canadair funded the development of the first child of the aircraft family that, back then, was named LearStar 600. In 1977, it changed its name to Bombardier 600 after Bill Lear was cut off from involvement in this project. The first prototype was launched in 1987 along with its maiden flight. Following Canadair’s bankruptcy, Bombardier stepped in and bought the aircraft.

Around the early 1980s, a second variant was announced, the Challenger 601. The decision to adopt a new type of engine, the General Electric CF34 turbofan engine, was a turning point for the company, which saw an increase in sales. Thanks to this positive outcome, Bombardier committed to evolving new models and saw the production of Challenger 604, 605 and 650. Along with the models of the family, the company also developed further aircraft like the Bombardier Global Express and the regional airline Bombardier CRJ100 series.

Source: Simple Flying