The Challenger 850 is a large-class administrative business jet produced by the Canadian company Bombardier Aerospace. It represents a compromise development of the best-selling Challenger 604 from Bombardier. This business jet entered the market in 2006, with its first buyer being a Russian businessman.
Design and Interior Capacity
The 800/850 series featured a cabin extended by 6 meters, reaching a total length of 14.76 meters. This enhancement positions the Challenger 800/850 close to the elite long-range family, such as the Gulfstream V/G500. The passenger cabin size of the new Challenger 850 is comparable to the Global 5000 or Global Express XRS, Bombardier Aerospace’s largest jets.
Among the advantages of this model are its low operating costs, time-tested reliability, and a comfortable passenger cabin. The Challenger 850 is an indispensable tool for business operations, certified to carry up to 19 passengers. Standard VIP configurations are typically designed for 12 to 14 passengers.
Performance and Versatility
By increasing the aircraft’s mass, designers sacrificed some range. Its autonomy is 5750 km, significantly less than the 604’s 7600 km. Nevertheless, the Bombardier Challenger 850 offers an optimal combination of comfort and versatility of an executive jet, with the reliability of a regular airline passenger aircraft.
Its technical specifications allow for non-stop transcontinental flights. Various passenger cabin layout options include work and rest zones, with sofas and seats transforming into highly comfortable sleeping arrangements. This flexibility makes it an ideal solution for demanding business travel.
Modifications and Practical Range
There are two modifications of the Challenger 850: one with a standard flight range of 4400 km and another with an extended range of 5400 km, achieved by installing two additional fuel tanks. In practice, this means the aircraft can fly from New York to Europe only if carrying no more than 8 passengers on board.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | Challenger 850 |
| Wingspan, m | 21.21 |
| Aircraft length, m | 26.77 |
| Aircraft height, m | 6.22 |
| Wing area, m2 | 48.35 |
| Empty weight | 13740 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 24040 |
| Fuel | 8289 |
| Engine type | 2 Turbofan engines General Electric CF34-3B1 |
| Thrust, kN | 2 x 38.84 (41 APR) |
| Maximum cruising speed, km/h | 850 |
| Normal cruising speed, km/h | 820 |
| Economical speed, km/h | 786 |
| Practical range, km | 5129 |
| Maximum rate of climb, m/min | 1920 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 12497 |
| Crew | 2+1 crew |
| Payload | 14-19 passengers |
Image gallery of the Challenger 850
