The Canadair CL-600 Challenger is a family of business jets developed by Canadair in the 1980s. The aircraft was designed as a corporate jet with a focus on comfort, range, and performance, marking a significant advancement in the business jet market. The CL-600 was first introduced in 1980 and quickly gained popularity for its spacious cabin, advanced avionics, and efficient flight performance.

With its wide, stand-up cabin and superior flight characteristics, the CL-600 became a favorite among corporate and private jet owners, leading to the development of several variants, including the Challenger 601, 604, and 605, each offering improved performance and amenities. The CL-600's distinctive fuselage and excellent range made it an attractive choice for long-haul corporate travel.

Key Specifications (CL-600 Challenger)

• Crew: 2 (Pilot and Co-pilot).
• Capacity: Typically 8–10 passengers, depending on configuration.
• Length: 20.77 m (68 ft 1 in).
• Wingspan: 19.2 m (63 ft 0 in).
• Height: 6.03 m (19 ft 9 in).
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 19,500 kg (43,000 lb).
• Engines: 2 × General Electric CF34-3A turbofan engines.
• Cruise Speed: Mach 0.80 (~850 km/h or 528 mph).
• Range: ~4,700 km (2,920 miles).
• Ceiling: 13,716 m (45,000 ft).

Notable Features

• Spacious Cabin: The CL-600 Challenger offers a wide, stand-up cabin with ample space for passengers, providing comfort for long-haul flights. It was one of the first business jets to feature such a large cabin, enhancing the flying experience for corporate passengers.
• Modern Avionics: Equipped with advanced avionics and a fully integrated flight deck, the CL-600 provided excellent situational awareness and ease of operation for pilots, ensuring safe and efficient flights.
• Impressive Range: With a range of over 4,700 km (2,920 miles), the CL-600 is capable of transcontinental flights without refueling, making it ideal for long-distance corporate travel.
• Fuel Efficiency: The use of two General Electric CF34 engines provided the aircraft with excellent fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs for owners and operators.
• Flexibility in Configuration: The interior of the CL-600 Challenger can be customized to meet the needs of different operators, whether for executive transport or luxury private travel, allowing for flexible configurations based on passenger needs.

Operators & Usage

• Corporate & Private Operators: The CL-600 Challenger is widely used by corporations, governments, and private individuals for executive travel. Its range and comfort make it suitable for long-haul, intercontinental flights.
• Government & Military Usage: Some units of the CL-600 have been used by government agencies for special missions and executive transport due to its reliable performance and luxurious cabin.
• Charter Operators: Several charter companies operate the CL-600 for business travel, private tours, and special events, offering clients access to the aircraft for short-term rental.
• Successor Variants: The CL-600 family continues to evolve with subsequent models such as the Challenger 601, 604, and 605, each offering improvements in avionics, range, and comfort, ensuring that the Challenger family remains a competitive player in the business jet market.