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BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 850

BOMBARDIER CHALLENGER 850 is a large, super-midsize business jet that is based on the Bombardier CRJ200 regional airliner. It was designed to provide a more cost-effective option for longer-range business travel while maintaining the high level of comfort, performance, and versatility that the Challenger series is known for. The Challenger 850 combines the spacious cabin of a regional airliner with the capabilities of a business jet, making it an ideal choice for corporate executives and private owners who need to travel long distances with a large number of passengers.

Key Features of the Bombardier Challenger 850:

  • First Flight: 2006.
  • Manufacturer: Bombardier Aerospace.
  • Engine: The Challenger 850 is powered by General Electric CF34-3B1 turbofan engines, which are also used on the CRJ200 regional airliner. These engines are known for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and smooth performance at long ranges.
  • Capacity: The Challenger 850 typically seats 14 to 16 passengers, depending on the interior configuration. The aircraft offers a spacious cabin with ample seating arrangements for business and leisure purposes.
  • Cruising Speed: Around Mach 0.80 (approximately 530 mph or 850 km/h).
  • Range: Approximately 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 km), which allows for non-stop flights between major cities such as New York to Los Angeles or London to Moscow.
  • Wingspan: 19.2 meters (63 feet 0 inches).
  • Length: 26.2 meters (86 feet 2 inches).
  • Height: 7.8 meters (25 feet 7 inches).
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 20,865 kg (46,000 lbs).
  • Service Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,500 meters).

Design and Technology:

  • CRJ200-Based Airframe: The Challenger 850 is built on the same airframe as the Bombardier CRJ200 regional airliner. This gives the aircraft a larger, more comfortable cabin compared to typical business jets in the super-midsize category. It provides a stand-up cabin with room for passengers to move around comfortably during the flight.
  • Cabin Configuration: The Challenger 850’s cabin is designed for maximum comfort, with luxurious seating arrangements that include club seating and other seating configurations tailored to the client’s needs. The cabin can be equipped with features such as a full galley, a private lavatory, and extensive storage space. The aircraft’s cabin is spacious enough to host business meetings or provide a relaxing space for long flights.
  • Advanced Avionics: The aircraft comes equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 avionics, a flight management system, weather radar, and other modern avionics that make the flight experience smoother and more efficient for pilots.
  • Efficient Operations: Thanks to the CRJ200’s airframe and the efficient CF34 engines, the Challenger 850 is known for its fuel efficiency and ability to operate on long-haul routes with fewer fuel stops. It also has a large fuel capacity, allowing for longer non-stop flights compared to many other business jets in its class.

Operational Uses:

The Challenger 850 is primarily used in the business aviation sector, offering both corporate executives and private owners the ability to travel long distances comfortably. Some of its key uses include:

  • Corporate Transport: The Challenger 850 is a preferred choice for companies needing to transport multiple executives or employees over long distances. Its large cabin and efficient range make it an ideal solution for group travel between business hubs or to remote destinations.
  • Private Jet Ownership: Some private individuals or families use the Challenger 850 as their primary aircraft for long-distance travel. Its spacious cabin allows for both business and leisure activities on board, making it a luxurious option for private owners.
  • Charter Operations: The Challenger 850 is popular in the charter market, especially for large groups or corporate clients. Its comfortable seating, long range, and efficient operations make it an excellent choice for charter companies offering extended regional or international flights.
  • Government and VIP Transport: Due to its spacious cabin and comfortable amenities, the Challenger 850 is sometimes used by government organizations or VIPs for secure, long-distance travel in luxury and comfort.

Legacy and Popularity:

The Bombardier Challenger 850 combines the best attributes of a regional airliner and a business jet. Its design, based on the CRJ200, allows it to offer the best of both worlds: a large, comfortable cabin and a long-range, efficient platform for business travel. The aircraft has gained popularity among corporate clients, private owners, and charter operators who require flexibility, space, and comfort for long-haul flights.

Although it shares its airframe with the CRJ200, the Challenger 850’s re-engineered interior and business jet features make it a distinctive model in the business aviation space. As a result, it is a sought-after aircraft in the super-large cabin class, offering a unique solution for those needing to travel long distances while carrying a large number of passengers.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Spacious Cabin: One of the key features of the Challenger 850 is its large cabin, which can accommodate more passengers than typical super-midsize jets, making it a good choice for large groups or business meetings.
  • Efficiency: The aircraft’s fuel-efficient CF34 engines and large range make it a cost-effective solution for long-haul flights compared to other aircraft in its class, such as the Gulfstream G450 or Bombardier Global series.
  • Operational Flexibility: The Challenger 850 can operate from smaller airports with shorter runways, making it more versatile in terms of available destinations.

Conclusion:

The Bombardier Challenger 850 is a standout aircraft in the super-midsize jet category. It combines the performance and operational efficiency of a regional airliner with the luxury and comfort of a business jet, offering a high degree of versatility for corporate executives, private owners, and charter operators. With its spacious cabin, long range, and efficient fuel consumption, the Challenger 850 continues to be a popular choice for long-distance travel in the world of business aviation.