Bombardier Challenger 600 Series
Large Cabin Business Jets — The Widebody Pioneer Family, from the original CL-600 to the Challenger 650.
Contents
The Challenger Legacy
The Bombardier Challenger 600 series revolutionized business aviation as the first widebody business jet family. Since 1980, this pioneering aircraft series has set the standard for large-cabin comfort, reliability, and performance.
From the original Challenger 600 to the advanced Challenger 650, this family represents over four decades of continuous innovation in business aviation, with more than 1,000 aircraft delivered worldwide across five variants.
A Bombardier Challenger 604, the super-midsize leader of the Challenger 600 series.
Challenger 600 Family Variants
Challenger 600
- Range: 2,960 nm
- Engines: 2× Lycoming ALF502
- Historic significance
Challenger 601
- Range: 3,065 nm
- Engines: 2× GE CF34-1A
- Improved efficiency
Challenger 604
- Range: 4,000 nm
- Engines: 2× GE CF34-3B
- Collins Pro Line 4 avionics
Challenger 605
- Range: 4,000 nm
- Engines: 2× GE CF34-3B
- Collins Pro Line 21 avionics
Challenger 650
- Range: 4,000 nm
- Engines: 2× GE CF34-3B
- Enhanced interior & avionics
Performance Specifications Comparison
| Specification | CL-600 | CL-601 | CL-604 | CL-605 | CL-650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 2,960 nm | 3,065 nm | 4,000 nm | 4,000 nm | 4,000 nm |
| Max Speed | 459 kts | 459 kts | 490 kts | 490 kts | 490 kts |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft | 41,000 ft | 41,000 ft | 41,000 ft | 41,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× ALF502 | 2× CF34-1A | 2× CF34-3B | 2× CF34-3B | 2× CF34-3B |
| Thrust (each) | 7,500 lbf | 8,650 lbf | 9,220 lbf* | 9,220 lbf* | 9,220 lbf* |
| Max Passengers | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Production Years | 1980-1983 | 1983-1993 | 1996-2007 | 2007-2015 | 2015-Present |
| Market Price | $1.5M-$3.5M | $2M-$4.5M | $5.35M-$7M | $9M-$14.5M | $15M-$25M |
*The CF34-3B is flat-rated at 8,729 lbf per engine for normal operation; 9,220 lbf per engine is available via Automatic Power Reserve (APR) in a one-engine-inoperative scenario. Max passenger figures reflect maximum certified seating — most 604/605/650 aircraft fly with 9-12 executive seats. Market prices reflect current (2026) pre-owned listings and vary with hours, maintenance program enrollment, and avionics.
Dimensions, Capacity & Avionics
Dimensions & Capacity
Aircraft Dimensions (604/605/650)
- Length: 68'6" (20.9 m)
- Wingspan: 64'3" (19.6 m)
- Height: 20'7" (6.3 m)
- Max Takeoff Weight: 48,200 lbs
Cabin
- Length: 28'6" (8.7 m)
- Width: 8'2" (2.5 m)
- Height: 6'1" (1.9 m)
- Passengers: 9-19
- Baggage: 115 cu ft
Avionics Evolution
Early Models (600/601)
- Analog instrumentation
- Standard navigation
- VHF communication
Challenger 604
- Collins Pro Line 4
- 4 color displays
- Enhanced FMS
Challenger 605 / 650
- Collins Pro Line 21
- Synthetic Vision
- Touchscreen controls
Engine Specifications & Evolution
| Model | Engine | Manufacturer | Thrust (each) | Fuel Consumption | TBO Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Challenger 600 | ALF502-L-2C | Lycoming | 7,500 lbf | 380 gph | 6,000 |
| Challenger 601 | CF34-1A | General Electric | 8,650 lbf | 365 gph | 7,500 |
| Challenger 604 | CF34-3B | General Electric | 9,220 lbf* | 358 gph | 8,000 |
| Challenger 605 | CF34-3B | General Electric | 9,220 lbf* | 329 gph | 8,000 |
| Challenger 650 | CF34-3B | General Electric | 9,220 lbf* | 325 gph | 8,000 |
*Flat-rated thrust is 8,729 lbf per engine; 9,220 lbf is the Automatic Power Reserve (APR) rating used during a one-engine-inoperative emergency, not continuous normal-operation thrust.
Cabin & Comfort Features
Widebody Pioneer Design
- First widebody business jet design
- Stand-up cabin height throughout
- Full-size galley facilities
- Spacious lavatory with window
Flexible Configurations
- Multiple seating layouts available
- Optional sleeping arrangements
- Advanced connectivity options
- Quiet cabin environment
Operating Economics & Market Data
The Challenger 650, in continuous production since 2015, is the current flagship of the family.
Challenger 604
- Market Value: $5.35M - $7M
- Operating Cost: $4,368/hour
- Annual Cost: ~$1.3M (300 hrs)
- Production: 359 aircraft
Challenger 605
- Market Value: $9M - $14.5M
- Operating Cost: $4,136/hour
- Annual Cost: ~$1.24M (300 hrs)
- Production: 288 aircraft
Challenger 650
- Market Value: $15M - $25M
- Operating Cost: $4,500/hour
- Annual Cost: ~$1.35M (300 hrs)
- Production: 160+ delivered, current
Annual cost estimates reflect direct operating cost at 300 flight hours per year and exclude fixed costs such as crew, hangar, and insurance. Production figures and market values reflect publicly listed pre-owned aircraft as of 2026.
Why Choose the Challenger 600 Family
Proven Legacy
Over 40 years of continuous innovation and more than 1,000 aircraft delivered worldwide.
Widebody Comfort
Stand-up cabin height with a spacious 8'2" width throughout.
Global Support
Worldwide maintenance network and excellent parts availability.
Strong Value
Excellent resale values and cost-effective operation.
Safe Fly Aviation
Your trusted partner for Challenger 600 series aircraft acquisition, sale, and brokerage.
24/7 Emergency
+91-7840000473General Inquiries
+91-9811673015Location
IGI Airport, New DelhiSources
- Wikipedia — Bombardier Challenger 600 series specifications and production history
- Quantum Jets — Challenger 604 specifications and performance guide
- Quantum Jets — Challenger 650 specifications and performance guide
- GlobalAir.com — Challenger 650 specifications
- GlobalAir.com — Challenger 601-3A specifications
- GlobalAir.com, 605 & 650 listings — current pre-owned asking prices (2026)
- Asian Sky Group — Market Spotlight: Bombardier Challenger 604, 605 & 650
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the range of a Bombardier Challenger 600 series aircraft?
Range varies by variant: the original CL-600 flies 2,960 nm, the Challenger 601 3,065 nm, and the later Challenger 604, 605, and 650 — which share the same wing and fuel capacity — each reach approximately 4,000 nm under NBAA IFR reserves with four passengers.
What engines power the Challenger 604, 605, and 650?
All three share the same General Electric CF34-3B turbofan, flat-rated at 8,729 lbf per engine, with up to 9,220 lbf available per engine via Automatic Power Reserve (APR) in a one-engine-inoperative scenario.
What is the difference between the Challenger 604 and Challenger 605?
The Challenger 604 (1996-2007) uses Collins Pro Line 4 avionics with four color displays. The Challenger 605 (2007-2015) upgraded to Collins Pro Line 21 with Synthetic Vision and a larger cabin door, sharing the same CF34-3B engines and airframe as the 604.
How much does a pre-owned Bombardier Challenger 600 series aircraft cost?
Pre-owned pricing varies widely by variant and vintage: a Challenger 604 typically lists between $5.35M and $7M, a Challenger 605 between $9M and $14.5M, and a Challenger 650 between $15M and $25M, based on current market listings.
How many passengers can a Challenger 600 series aircraft carry?
All Challenger 600 series variants are certified for up to 19 passengers, though most are configured with 9-12 executive seats for long-range comfort.
Why was the Challenger 600 called the first widebody business jet?
The CL-600, introduced in 1980, was the first business jet designed with a stand-up cabin and a wide-body cross-section rather than a cylindrical fuselage, a layout every later Challenger variant has retained.
Does Safe Fly Aviation sell or broker Challenger 600 series aircraft?
Yes. Safe Fly Aviation advises on acquisition, sale, and brokerage of Challenger 600, 601, 604, 605, and 650 aircraft worldwide. Contact our team for current availability and valuations.
Specifications, production figures, and market prices are compiled from manufacturer data and public aviation-industry sources as of 2026 and are provided for general reference. Individual aircraft specifications vary by serial number, modification status, and configuration — always confirm current details against the specific aircraft's records before purchase.