Canadair Challenger 601 & 604

Challengers For Sale at BusinessJet.com

The Challenger 601 addressed the original CL-600 Challenger's weight problems and replaced the troubled ALF-502 turbofans, creating a highly successful full size corporate jet.

Troubles with the Avco Lycoming powered Challenger 600 led Canadair (now a division of Bombardier) to develop a vastly improved variant in the form of the General Electric CF-34 powered Challenger 601. Another important change was the addition of winglets, which are also offered as a retrofit to earlier aircraft. The 601 first flew on April 10 1982 and for a time was offered alongside the 600. The 600 was dropped from the model line in 1983.

Subsequent development of the Challenger led to the 601-3A. First flying in 1987, this variant introduced an EFIS glass flightdeck and upgraded engines. Available from 1989, the 601-3R was an extended range model with higher weights (the range increase modifications can also be retrofitted to earlier 601-3As).

Further improvements to the basic design led to the Challenger 604. Improvements include an advanced Collins ProLine IV EFIS avionics system with colour displays, higher weights, CF-34-3B turbofans and increased fuel tankage. Many other minor changes were incorporated based on Bombardier's experience with the Canadair Regional Jet. First flight with CF-34-3A engines was in September 1994, first flight with the CF-34-3B engines was on March 17 1995, with Transport Canada certification granted that September. First delivery was in January 1996.

Powerplants
601 - Two 40.7kN (9140lb) General Electric CF-34-3A turbofans.
604 - Two CF-34-3Bs flat rated to 38.8kN (8729lb) without automatic power reserve, or 41.0kN (9220lb) with.

Performance
601-1A - Max cruising speed 851km/h (460kt), typical cruising speed 819km/h (442kt), long range cruising speed 786km/h (424kt). Max operating altitude 45,000ft. Range with max fuel and reserves 6208km (3352nm).
601-3A - Normal cruising speed 851km/h (460kt). Service ceiling 41,000ft. Range with max fuel, five pax and reserves 6236km (3365nm).
604 - Max cruising speed 882km/h (476kt), normal cruising speed 851km/h (459kt), long range cruising speed 787km/h (425kt). Certificated ceiling 41,000ft. Range with max fuel, five pax and reserves 7550km (4077nm) at long range cruising speed, 6980km (3769nm) at normal cruising speed.

Weights
601-3A - Empty 9049kg (19,950lb), operating empty 11,605kg (25,585lb), max takeoff 19,550kg (43,100lb).
601-3R - Empty 9292kg (20,485lb), operating empty 11,566kg (25,500lb), max takeoff 19,550kg (43,100lb) or optionally 20,457kg (45,100lb).
604 - Empty 9806kg (21,620lb), operating empty 12,079kg (26,630lb), max takeoff 21,591kg (47,600lb), or optionally 21,863kg (48,200lb).

Dimensions
Wing span 19.61m (64ft 4in), length 20.85m (68ft 5in), height 6.30m (20ft 8in). Wing area 48.3m2 (520.0sq ft).

Capacity
Flightcrew of two. Various seating options available depending on customer preference, maximum permissible seating for 19.

Production
Challenger 601 production completed, with 66 601-1As, 134 601-3As and 59 601-3Rs delivered. Over 80 604s sold.

Information gathered from various internet sources. Reasonable attempts have been made to ensure accuracy and veracity of sources. However, this information should not be used for flight planning or official purposes.

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