The Bombardier Challenger 850 is the flag carrier of the Challenger series of corporate shuttles and executive business aircraft. A business jet based on the Bombardier CRJ200 regional jet platform.

Although manufacturing of the CRJ200 has ended for regional jets, it is continuing for the business aircraft division in its business jet format. The 850 combines Challenger performance and customer service and style with the dependability and reliability of a regional jet. With its large cabin – similar in size to the Global Express XRS – it can accommodate 15 passengers for missions of around 2,500nm (4,630km).

The cabin not only features Rockwell Collins’ Airshow 410 but is also designed, completed and painted by Lufthansa Technik. This agreement marks the first time the North American business aircraft manufacturer has entrusted an entire programme of completions to an overseas company. It also marks an extension of Lufthansa Technik’s capabilities to smaller-size business aircraft.

Powered by two General Electric CF34-3B1 turbofans, the 850 has typical cruise speed of M0.77 (819kmh) and a maximum range of 2,770nm (5,129km).

Heritage:

The Challenger 850 is based on the CRJ200 regional jet, and was previously available on an ad hoc basis. But now forms part of the Challenger family of business jets.

Interestingly the whole CRJ fleet are derivatives of the Challenger 601 business jet. The three CRJ models and the Challenger 601/604 are also powered by the same engine – the General Electric CF34. This now brings the airframe back to its roots.