Challenger for Sale

“The Best-Selling Business Jet Platform of the Last Decade”

Manufactured by Canadian aerospace firm Bombardier, the Challenger name encompasses a family of aircraft billed as “the best-selling business jet platform of the last decade.” All Challenger jets feature fuel-efficient turbofan engines, true “walk-about” cabins, and a supercritical wing design offering impressive climb and cruise performance at lower thrust settings.

Where Did the Challenger Line Begin?

The Bombardier Challenger 600 began as a proof-of-concept business aircraft design from American aircraft pioneer Bill Lear. The design was subsequently purchased by Canadair, the predecessor to Bombardier, in the late 1970s. Canadair further refined the design and certified the aircraft in 1980. The type really “took off,” so to speak, with the follow-on Challenger 601, introduced in 1983, which replaced its predecessor’s Avro Lycoming engines with modern General Electric CF43-1A turbofans designed for high-utilization commercial airline service.

What Challenger Variants are Available Today?

Later variants within the 601 line – including the Challenger 604, 605, 650, and 850 – include such desirable features as additional fuel capacity, extended fuselage and cabin lengths, and further aerodynamic and performance improvements that give the aircraft a top cruise speed of 459 knots, and a long-range cruise at Mach .74.

In 1999, Bombardier introduced a new type, the Challenger 300, as part of the growing “super-midsize” private jet class. The Challenger 300 – and later Challenger 350, introduced in 2013 – competes with aircraft including the Cessna Citation X and Gulfstream G280. The Challenger 350 carries passengers 3,200 nautical miles non-stop at a cruise speed of Mach 0.80, and features the widest, purpose-built super midsize aircraft cabin with both a flat floor, and in-flight baggage access.

Although considered a distinct type, Bombardier’s long-distance Global Express line of intercontinental private jets is also based directly on the Challenger series.