Bombardier and Canadair’s Challenger 600 series has been one of the most popular lines in the large business jet category since the original Challenger 600’s certification in 1980. During the series’ nearly 40 years of service to this point, 17 variations have been introduced, including those used for military purposes.
The original Challenger 600, produced from 1978 to 1982, came equipped with Avco Lycoming ALF 502L turbofan engines, giving it a normal cruise speed of about 446 knots, a climb rate of about 3,488 feet per minute, and a range of just over 2,900 nautical miles. 81 of the original 600 model were built.
The Challenger 600S model was simply a Challenger 600 retrofitted with the winglets that came standard on the Challenger 601-1A. Only three of them were built.
The Challenger 601-1A, produced from 1983 to 1987, was a refined version of the original 600, including standard winglets and more powerful General Electric CF34-1A engines. The engine upgrade increased the aircraft’s range by more than 500 nautical miles, giving the 1A a range of about 3,450 nautical miles. 66 of them were built, including six that were built for the Canadian Forces, designated CC-144B. Its climb speed was also increased by nearly 800 feet per minute to 4,200 fpm.
The 601-1A/ER model was retrofitted with an additional fuel tank, increasing the aircraft’s range by about 150 nautical miles to around 3,600.
The Challenger 601-3A, produced from 1987 to 1993, was the first version of the aircraft marketed by Bombardier, as each of the previous models were under the production and marketing rights of Canadair. The 601-3A was equipped with General Electric’s CF34-3A engines, which had a higher flat rating than the previous models. It was also the first model that came equipped with a glass cockpit. The 601-3A actually had a shorter range than its predecessor by a few hundred nautical miles at just over 3,000. It did, however, have a significantly faster cruise speed at 476 knots, compared to the 1A’s 442, and its climb rate was increased by more than 200 fpm to nearly 4,500.
The 601-3A/ER model, like the 1A/ER model, was simply a 3A with an optional fuel tank in the tail, increasing its range by close to 300 nautical miles, from about 3,000 to 3,300.
For the Challenger 601-3R, which was produced from 1993 to 1995, the additional fuel tank was made standard, and GE’s CF34-3A1 engines were introduced. Compared to the 3A, the 3R has an improved range, more efficient engines, and a higher takeoff weight, though it did sacrifice a bit of runway performance and climb speed.
For the Challenger 601S model, Bombardier introduced GE’s CF34-3A2 engines. GE Aviation offered an on-wing engine maintenance program for these upgraded engines on a small number of aircraft that gave them longer time on-wing, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
The Challenger 604, produced from 1996 to 2006, was a major upgrade of the 601 design, including more advanced GE CF34-3B engines. Compared to the 601-3A, the 604 had a range that was improved by more than 1,000 nautical miles, thanks to its new engines and additional saddle tanks, from 3,000 to more than 4,100 nautical miles. Its max takeoff weight was increased by more than 3,000 lbs, from 45,250 to 48,300, and it was equipped with Rockwell Collins’ ProLine 4 avionics system. It was also given structural improvements to its wings and tail.
The Challenger 605, introduced in 2006, was simply a 604 with structural and avionics upgrades. The 605 was given larger cabin windows, ProLine 21 avionics, and electronic flight bag capability, allowing flight crews to perform flight management tasks more efficiently by reducing the amount of paper required.
The Challenger 650, introduced in 2015, was an upgraded version of the 605 with a redesigned cabin, Rockwell Collins’ Vision Flight Deck, and an increased takeoff thrust, improving its runway performance on takeoff by about 200 feet.
Canadair and Bombardier also created a number of military variants of the 600 series for the Canadian government, including the Canadair CC-144, the Canadair CE-144, the Canadair CX-144, the Bombardier Challenger 604 MMA, the Bombardier C-143A, and the Challenger 605 MSA. Changes to militarized versions included upgraded landing gear, the addition of military radars and sensors, and upgraded communications systems.
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To learn more about the Challenger 600 series, download our Large Jet Buyers’ Guide.
