Aircraft overview

The Bombardier Challenger 600 Series is a family of large cabin business jets developed by Canadair and later produced under Bombardier. The original Challenger 600 first flew in 1978, entered service in 1980, and established the wide cabin layout that became a defining feature of the line. The series includes the Challenger 600, 601, 604, 605 and 650, each retaining the same basic cabin cross section while adding more capable engines, fuel capacity, avionics and systems. For used aircraft buyers, it matters because it offers intercontinental cabin volume at values that often sit below newer purpose built large jets.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends materially on variant. The early Challenger 600 used Avco Lycoming ALF 502L engines, while the 601 moved to General Electric CF34 power and later 604, 605 and 650 aircraft use CF34 3B series turbofans. Typical long range cruise is around Mach 0.80, with maximum cruise in the mid 400 knot range. Published range runs from roughly 2,800 nautical miles for early aircraft to about 4,000 nautical miles for later 604, 605 and 650 models, subject to payload, reserves and configuration. Certified ceiling is typically 41,000 feet. Maximum takeoff weight increased through the series, from about 41,250 lb on the original 600 to 48,200 lb on the 604, 605 and 650, with useful load and full fuel payload varying by equipment and interior weight.

Cabin & avionics

The Challenger 600 Series is known for a flat floor, stand up cabin and a wide fuselage for its generation. Typical executive layouts seat 9 to 12 passengers, with higher density arrangements possible. Buyers should compare galley location, lavatory configuration, divan installation, cabin management system and baggage access. Avionics are variant specific: early aircraft commonly have analog and Collins based flight decks, the Challenger 604 introduced Collins Pro Line 4, and the Challenger 605 and 650 use Collins Pro Line 21. Garmin Perspective and Garmin G1000 are not standard Challenger 600 Series flight decks.

Buying & value

Used examples span a wide age and capability range, so variant, engine status, inspection position, corrosion history, avionics compliance, cabin refurbishment and maintenance program enrollment are central to value. Common buyer comparisons include the 601 for lower acquisition cost, the 604 for improved range and systems, and the 605 or 650 for newer avionics and cabin updates. Current PlaneFox listing data shows an average asking price around EUR 7,590,000, with asking prices from about EUR 1,810,000 to EUR 27,570,000, reflecting the breadth from early airframes to late model 650 aircraft.