The Challenger 604 is a high-comfort passenger aircraft, developed by the Canadian firm Bombardier Business Aircraft, a subsidiary of Bombardier Canadair. It is designed for use on medium and long-haul airline routes. The first flight of the Challenger 604 model with CF-34-3A engines was in September 1994.
With more advanced CF-34-3B engines, the aircraft took to the air on March 17, 1995. It received its airworthiness certificate from the Canadian Ministry of Transport in September 1994. Initial deliveries of the new aircraft began in January 1996.
Origins and Evolution
The history of the Challenger 604 dates back to the 1980s. More precisely, its prototype, the Canadair CL600 Challenger mid-range business class aircraft, known as the Challenger 600, made its first flight in 1978. This aircraft, produced by the Canadian company Bombardier Business Aircraft, turned out to be almost perfectly balanced.
However, it was difficult to modify for other tasks, as changing one parameter led to a sharp deterioration of all characteristics. After several Challenger versions were released, during the development of which fuel capacity was increased and upgraded avionics with the modern Collins Pro Line 4 flight and navigation complex were installed, the CL604 business jet emerged. This happened in 1994, and a year later, serial production of the liner began. By 2003, the Challenger 604 also started operating from Russian runways.
Unmatched Performance and Comfort
Thanks to its combination of comfort and versatility, the Bombardier Challenger 604 has held its position as a leader among large business jets for 10 years. The aircraft holds operational certificates in 45 countries worldwide. The machine can perform flights at a maximum speed of 870 km/h, carrying nine to sixteen passengers over a range of up to 7,500 km.
The aircraft utilizes the latest achievements in avionics. The Precision Plus system automatically calculates optimal speed and thrust values for the engines, while the Safe Flight Auto Power system ensures exceptionally smooth speed changes. Thanks to these and many other advantages, the Challenger 604 has proven itself to be a very reliable, economical, and exceptionally comfortable aircraft.
Today, the Challenger 604 represents a unique aircraft in the world. It boasts an intercontinental flight range combined with a record-high cruising speed for its class, and also features impressively sized passenger cabin. An important advantage of the aircraft is that it is equipped with a food heating system, includes a separate lavatory compartment, and in its standard configuration, is equipped with in-flight communication systems.
The Challenger 604 liner includes a large baggage compartment with excellent sealing, accessible throughout the entire flight. This makes the aircraft ideal for long flights with numerous transfers, as in such cases baggage is constantly being added, and free space, large cabin dimensions, and comfort play an extremely important role. The cabin interior is unique and unparalleled, furnished with modern, comfortable furniture, equipped with air conditioning, DVD, and stereo systems, which will appeal even to the most discerning passenger. Thanks to the expanded passenger cabin configuration, the aircraft is 0.5 meters longer compared to its “younger brother,” the Challenger 601, which increased the number of windows by two.
Technical Specifications and Features
Delving into the technical characteristics of the Challenger 604, compared to its predecessors, the CL600 and CL601, the aircraft did not undergo major changes, except perhaps for an increase in flight range. By installing larger capacity fuel tanks than in the Challenger 601, the maximum flight range of the Challenger 604 increased to 7458 km.
Engineers based the cockpit’s onboard equipment on the Collins Pro Line 4 avionics, and installed 2 x General Electric CF-34-3Bs engines. The high-comfort cabin of this aircraft has the following dimensions: 8.66 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 1.86 m in height.
The number of passengers in the cabin can range from 10 to 18 people, with a crew of 3. Both the cockpit and cabin are equipped with modern air conditioning systems. The cabin interior is designed to meet the requirements of the most discerning clients. The spacious VIP lounge features soft armchairs, a sofa, and tables, creating an ideal environment for work and relaxation. Onboard communication devices and modern AUDIO/VIDEO systems are available. Additionally, passengers can freely access the baggage compartment for necessary items during the flight. Furthermore, a special noise suppression system, developed by Ultra Electronics, is installed in the aircraft, which dampens vibrations, further enhancing flight comfort. By the end of 1997, 57 aircraft had been produced.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | CL-604 |
| Wingspan, m | 19.61 |
| Aircraft length, m | 20.85 |
| Aircraft height, m | 6.30 |
| Wing area, m2 | 45.71 |
| Empty weight | 12079 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 21863 |
| Fuel capacity | 9072 |
| Engine type | 2 Turbofan General Electric CF34-3B |
| Thrust, kN | 2 x 38.84 (41 APR) |
| Maximum cruising speed, km/h | 882 |
| Normal cruising speed, km/h | 850 |
| Economical speed, km/h | 787 |
| Practical range, km | 7550 |
| Rate of climb, m/min | 520 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 11430 |
| Crew, crew members | 2 |
| Payload: | 5 VIP passengers or 19 passengers in high-density cabin |
Image gallery of the Challenger 604
