Bombardier CL-600 Challenger

Summary

Description

Around 1974, American aviation inventor Bill Lear conceptualized the LearStar 600, a low-wing, long-distance business jet with a supercritical wing. Lacking the resources to produce it himself, Lear sought collaboration, eventually partnering with Canadair. The Canadian government, aiming for a high-tech aviation industry, backed Canadair's adaptation of the design. Canadair acquired the LearStar 600 concept in April 1976, redesigning it into a larger airframe with a new supercritical wing, avionics, engines, and compliance with FAR part 25 standards, with over 1,800 hours of wind tunnel testing performed on the wing alone. The programme was launched on 29 October 1976, supported by the federal government, with firm orders for 53 aircraft. Following disagreements, Bill Lear was phased out of involvement, and in March 1977, the aircraft was renamed the Challenger 600. The original Lycoming ALF 502 turbofans were ultimately chosen for the enlarged Challenger, and the first prototype performed its maiden flight on 8 November 1978 in Montreal. A test flight on 3 April 1980 resulted in a deadly crash, but Transport Canada approved the CL-600 type certification on 10 August 1980. In 1986, Canadair was acquired by Bombardier.

The Challenger is a low-wing jet designed as a miniaturized twinjet airliner, with two turbofans mounted in aft fuselage pods. One of the first business jets to employ a supercritical wing, the design allows for a widened fuselage enabling a "walk-about cabin." The wing, referred to as a modified NACA symmetrical aerofoil, features a twin-spar box structure spanning its entire length and compartmentalized into five fuel tanks. Skins are produced using large milling machines, with conventional construction for elements like flaps and ailerons. Kevlar is used for components, including the wing/fuselage fairing and wingtips. Early models used Lycoming ALF 502L turbofan engines, while later variants use General Electric CF34 engines. The fuselage comprises three sections designed to be pressurised. Avionics include a dual-channel Sperry SPZ-600 automatic flight control system and Marconi solid-state instrument displays in earlier models, evolving to Rockwell Collins Pro Line systems in later variants. In a standard executive configuration, the cabin is divided into a forward galley and two seating sections.

While the primary role of the Challenger series is that of a civilian business jet, certain military variants have been adapted to undertake specialized roles. The CL-604 MMA (Multi-Mission Aircraft), developed by Field Aviation and in service with Denmark, is equipped for maritime patrol and search and rescue missions, capable of landing on short, rough airstrips. The United States Coast Guard acquired a single Challenger 604, designated C-143A, to serve as a medium-range command-and-control aircraft. Boeing has also proposed the Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA), based on the Challenger 605 airframe, integrating sensors from the Boeing P-8 Poseidon for maritime surveillance duties. Their mission profiles suggest the potential for carrying sensors and surveillance equipment.

The Challenger 600 series has seen utilization in both military and civilian roles across the globe. The Royal Canadian Air Force operates multiple Challenger variants, designated as CC-144, for electronic warfare training and utility transport, with airframes being procured continually from 1982 to 2020. Denmark employs a militarized version of the CL-604, known as the CL-604 MMA, for maritime patrol and search and rescue missions. In December 2005, the United States Coast Guard acquired a Challenger 604, designated as C-143A, for medium-range command-and-control operations. Civilian operators worldwide have embraced the Challenger series for executive transport. By October 2018, the in-service Challenger fleet was widespread, with a significant presence in North America and notable numbers in Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.

Main Variants:

• CL-600: The original production version, powered by Lycoming ALF 502L turbofans, was produced from 1978 to 1982.

• CL-601-1A: This refined version features winglets to decrease drag and more powerful General Electric CF34-1A turbofans.

• CL-601-3A: Equipped with General Electric CF34-3A turbofans with a higher flat rating and a glass cockpit, it was the first version marketed by Bombardier.

• CL-604: This variant includes General Electric CF34-3B turbofans, added saddle tanks for increased fuel capacity, a new undercarriage for higher takeoff and landing weight, structural improvements, and new Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 avionics.

• CL-650: Introduced in 2015, this model features a redesigned interior cabin, Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced avionics, a synthetic vision system, and a 5% increase in takeoff thrust.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	China	5
	Denmark	3
	Switzerland	2
	United Arab Emirates	2

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

United Arab Emirates • Switzerland • China • Germany • Denmark • Eritrea • Jordan • United States

Photo of CL-600 Challenger