Bombardier Challenger 601-1A Specifications

Background/History

The Challenger 601-1A represents a considerable advancement over the original Challenger 600. When the first Challenger 601 was certificated in March 1983, the most notable improvement was the replacement of the 600’s troublesome Lycoming ALF 502 engines with the far more reliable GE CF34 series engines. The 601 benefited from drag-reducing winglets and additional fuel capacity, which along with the new GE engines increased the aircraft’s range to over 3,000 nm. The Challenger 601 made its first flight in April 1982 and received FAA certification in March 1983. Shortly afterwards, Canadair changed the aircraft’s designation to CL601-1A to reflect the CF43-1A engines of the new Challenger. During the Challenger 601-1As production run from 1983 to 1987 a total of 66 aircraft were delivered.

Power

The Challenger 601-1A is powered by a pair of GE CF34-1A high-bypass ratio turbofans rated at 8,650 lbs. thrust each. Inspection interval on the engines is 6,000 hours.

Avionics

The Challenger 601-1A is equipped with dual digital Honeywell DFZ-800 flight guidance systems, dual Honeywell EDZ-800 EFIS, Honeywell laser INS, and dual digital Collins comm/nav/ident radios.

Design Features

The Challenger 601-1A is a twin turbofan, long range, wide-body business aircraft configured as a cantilever low swept wing monoplane. It has retractable tricycle landing gear with two wheels on each unit and a trailing link main gear design. Aerodynamic refinements, such as the addition of drag-reducing winglets, have been combined with increased fuel capacity to give the 601-1A the transoceanic range originally envisioned for the Challenger line.

Accomodations

The Challenger 601-1A is typically configured for eight to twelve passengers with a deluxe galley and full lavatory, but the aircraft can accomodate as many as nineteen in a high-density configuration. The Challenger line has as one of its hallmarks a wide fuselage cross section which provides a very roomy 8.2 ft. cabin width and a stand-up height of slightly greater than 6 ft. Cabin length is 28.3 ft.