Canadair CL-600 Challenger 601 & 604

The Challenger 601 addressed the original CL-600 Challenger's weight problems and replaced the troubled ALF-502 turbofans, creating a highly successful full size corporate jet. Troubles with the Avco Lycoming powered Challenger 600 led Canadair (now a division of Bombardier) to develop a vastly improved variant in the form of the General Electric CF-34 powered Challenger 601. Another important change was the addition of winglets, which are also offered as a retrofit to earlier aircraft. The 601 first flew on April 10 1982 and for a time was offered alongside the 600. The 600 was dropped from the model line in 1983. Subsequent development of the Challenger led to the 601-3A. First flying in 1987, this variant introduced an EFIS glass flightdeck and upgraded engines. Available from 1989, the 601-3R was an extended range model with higher weights (the range increase modifications can also be retrofitted to earlier 601-3As). Further improvements to the basic design led to the Challenger 604. Improvements include an advanced Collins ProLine IV EFIS avionics system with colour displays, higher weights, CF-34-3B turbofans and increased fuel tankage. Many other minor changes were incorporated based on Bombardier's experience with the Canadair Regional Jet. First flight with CF-34-3A engines was in September 1994, first flight with the CF-34-3B engines was on March 17 1995, with Transport Canada certification granted that September. First delivery was in January 1996.

The backbone of this section is from the The International Directory of Civil Aircraft by Gerard Frawley and used with permission. To get your own copy of the book click here.