The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a family of business jets manufactured by Canadair of Bombardier Aerospace. 1,600 Bombardier Challengers are in-service; the fleet has logged 7.3 million hours over 4.3 million flights.
The Bombardier Challenger 601-3A was developed as the second variant of the Challenger 601, after the 601-1A. It was launched in September of 1986. In September 1987, this model was extended to the Challenger 601-3A/ER; its first flight took place in November 1988.
The Bombardier Challenger 601-3A is powered by two General Electric CF34-3A engines with 9,220 pounds of thrust. Its features include an all-glass cockpit, drag-reducing winglets, and increased range. It also has lower noise levels, dual digital Honeywell DFZ-800 flight guidance, dual digital Collins HR 9000 communications systems, and Honeywell Primus 650 digital weather radar. The 601-3A/ER variant also includes an additional tail-cone fuel tank located in the tail fairing.
Production of the Bombardier Challenger 601-3A ended in 1993, with a total of 134 jets being built. Prices range from $2.9 million for an early model to $3.9 million for a late model.
In addition to performance, Bombardier emphasized reliability when building the 601-3A. In the cockpit, you will find dual digital Honeywell DFZ-800 flight guidance, EDZ-800 EFIS, laser inertial reference, and dual digital Collins HR 9000 communications systems. The Honeywell Primus 650 digital weather radar also assists in a reliable flight.
A few other notable refinements of the 601-3A include an all-glass cockpit, drag-reducing winglets and greater fuel capacity, all contributing to the jet’s transoceanic range. An additional tailcone fuel tank comes standard with the -3A/ER variant, adding even more range.
Even for its age, the Bombardier Challenger 601-3A still offers nice cabin space. Rather large to accommodate long-range trips, the interior measures over 6 feet tall (stand-up cabin), over 8 feet wide and 28 feet from front to back. A staggering 19 passengers will reach maximum capacity, while 10-12 are standard. A “deluxe” galley and lavatory can be found aboard. The aircraft is also known for its low noise levels.
Beginning with the original Challenger 600, Bombardier created a successful family of business jets. Manufactured from 1987-1993, the 601-3A is the cream of the crop, featuring the best engines, avionics, and design of the family. It remains a likely competitor in the long-range, wide-body business jet category.
Bombardier Challenger 601 Technical Specifications
Exterior
- Exterior Height: 20 ft 8 in
- Wing Span: 64 ft 4 in
- Length: 68 ft 5 in
Interior
- Cabin Height: 6 ft 1 In
- Cabin Width: 8 ft 2 In
- Cabin Length: 28 ft 4 In
- Cabin Volume: 1,035 cu ft
- Door Height: 5 ft 8 In
- Door Width: 3 ft
- Internal Baggage: 115 cu ft
Occupancy
- Crew: 2
- Passengers: 9
Operating Weights
- Max T/O Weight: 45100 Lb
- Max Landing Weight: 36000 Lb
- Operating Weight: 26250 Lb
- Fuel Capacity: 17635 lbs Lb
- Payload W/Full Fuel: 1365 Lb
- Max Payload: 4750 Lb
Range
- Normal Range: 3380 nm
- Max Range: 3590 nm
- Service Ceiling: 41000 ft
Distances
- Balanced Field Length: 6500 ft
- Landing Distance: 4500 ft
Performance
- Rate of Climb: 4,259 fpm
- Climb Rate One Engine Inop: 1,207 fpm
- Max Speed: 459 kts
- Normal Cruise: 443 kts
- Economy Cruise: 425 kts
- Cost per Hour: $ 4,928.61
Power Plant
- Engines: 2
- Engine Mfg: General Electric
- Engine Model: CF34-3A
