Aircraft Profile: Bombardier Challenger 300

Initially christened the “Continental” because of its ability to fly coast-to-coast USA, the Challenger 300 meets Canadian manufacturer Bombardier's belief that it could deliver a large cabin aircraft with lower direct operating costs than anything else in the super-midsize category.

When launching the concept at Paris in 1997, Bombardier revealed it had taken unprecedented research into operator needs for a jet of this size and when the aircraft first flew in 2001 it showed operating costs of $770 per hour and the ability for relatively short field performance. The Continental was renamed the Challenger 300 at NBAA 2002 and received its certification in 2003. To date, Bombardier has delivered more than 150 aircraft.

Typical cabin arrangement is for eight, with a two seat lounge opposite two facing seats, with club seating for four behind them, or double club seating. The Challenger 300 Features a forward wardrobe, refreshment centre and toilet. A high-density interior for 15 pax is also available – but is not an option that has been taken up.

Powered by two Honeywell HTF7000 turbofans, the Challenger 300 can carry its eight passengers at a cruise speed of Mach 0.8 (850 kph) and has a maximum range of 3,100nm (5,741km).

Heritage

The Challenger 300 is the smallest of the Challenger family.