Challenger 600

Challenger 600 Bombardier Overview (1981-1983)

Challenger 600 is a spacious two-turbofan wide-body commercial aircraft best known for its very broad cab (only Falcon 900 is broader; 1 inch). Challenger 600 has four emergency generator sets, reverse thrusters and APU. Challenger 600 was initially designed in the mid 70's as Learstar 600 in cooperation between Canadair and Bill Lear from Learjet.

Canadair bought the Learstar in 1976 and transformed it into the Challenger. Altogether 85 Challenger 600 aircrafts were built, of which 65 are in service today. Today there are 65 Challenger 600 aircrafts in use. In North America, the Challenger 600 has the highest share (75%), followed by Asia (14%).

The Challenger 600 is powered by two ALF-502L twin engine trucks, providing 7,500 lbs of propulsion and using 316 GPH (gallons per hour). Challenger 600 has a cruising distance of 2,909 nm and operates under NBAA IFR 4 passenger with available gas. For the Challenger 600, the cab is 1,146 cbm. Challenger 600 was launched before EFIS was generally available, so the 600's control panels were equipped with analogue electro-mechanical ADI's and HSI's, the analogue Sperry SPZ-600 control system and the SPZ-650 auto-pilot, an analogue Primus 400 meteorological computer and Collins Pro Line 1 Comm/Nav/Ident radio.

Challenger 600 Bombardier Descriptions

Challenger 600 is more of a commercial plane than a privately owned one. Compared to the Boeing 737, it provides much more cab room than any similar airplane. Pilot enjoy flying it, and passenger enjoy the roomy, comfortably sized cab and trans-continental outreach. Exactly, the cab has a width of 8.2 ft and a hight of 6.1 ft.

Not only is the cab convenient because of its large dimensions, but also because of its very low sound and vibrations standards. An interior section provides 115 square ft of luggage area. The Challenger 600 is powered by two Avco Lycoming ALF502L motors. Challenger 600 can take off at 5,700 ft at altitude or 7,350 ft at 5,000 ft at 77° Fahrenheit.

With its highest cruising speeds, it can fly with 443 km/h at an elevation of 39,000 ft (far above most flights), or it can fly with 425 km/h at 43,000 km/h for long-haul flights. Burning 1,710 lbs of gas per hour on its long-haul cruises or 1,910 lbs per hour at top speeds.

It uses an avarage of 262 galons of petrol per hrs. Challenger 600 has four emergency generating standby units. Delivers more output and higher voltages than the direct current system typically found in corporate aircraft. The system controls many of the Challenger 600's functions: hydraulics pump, butterfly valves, lander lamps and various types of icing protection system.

It is used to ventilate the engine to launch the engine and to manage the environment. The system comprises the Primus 400 meteorological surveillance system, the SPZ-650 dual-channel auto-pilot, a GNS-500 VLF/Omega navigational system and several other position detection devices. Challenger 600 provides the capability of an aircraft without the high costs. It' s cabins are unsurpassed by any aircraft in its category and yet it works efficiently.

All in all, it is a personal aircraft that has as many choices as possible.