Bombardier Challenger 850 Specifications

Background/History

The Challenger 850 is a business aircraft developed from the successful and proven Canadair Regional Jet series and its business aircraft derivative, the Corporate Jetliner. The RJ was developed by stretching the Challenger series fuselage some 19 feet in length and increasing the wingspan 6 feet. Sturdier landing gear and steel brakes were also added as part of the RJ upgrade. The 850 is a corporate/executive version of the RJ/Corporate Jetliner airframe which includes among other additions, an all-glass cockpit, GE CF34-3B1 turbofans, which are more fuel efficient and powerful than the -3A1 engines proven on the RJ, and the redundant primary flight controls, electrical and hydraulic systems found on its predecessor. The 850 airframe has been changed however, to allow for an additional 4,000lbs of fuel resulting in an increase in takeoff weight, payload and range. The exterior and interior dimensions are the same as the RJ, but the 850’s cabin is usually configured to seat no more than 12 passengers in a more spacious executive arrangement.

Power

The 850 is powered by two General Electric CF34-3B1 turbofan engines capable of producing 8,729 lbs of thrust and are flat rated to ISA + 8 degrees. The engine is more powerful and has a specific fuel consumption three percent lower than its predecessor, the -3A1. Inspection interval on the -3B1 is “on condition”.

Avionics

The 850 features an all-glass cockpit which includes a Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite whose primary flight display incorporates six, 7.25 inch tubes, dual Collins digital comm/nav radios, dual Litton INS, dual Litton FMSs, TCAS, GPWS and a WXR-840 color weather radar. The system includes an all-digital highly integrated EFIS, a two-screen EICAS with full systems synoptics, and dual FMSs providing both SIDs and STARs. The FMSs are integrated with the EFIS and support the dual integrated autopilot, light director, and yaw dampers. The EICAS displays engine operating conditions in both digital and analog formats.

Design Features

The 850 is a twin turbofan-powered business jet configured as a cantilever, low swept-wing monoplane with a swept empennage. The Dowty retractable landing gear has dual wheels on each unit and trailing-link type main gear assemblies. Steel brakes are used in place of the carbon brakes employed on the 600 series to produce improved stopping power. The spoiler system atop each wing consists of a computer-controlled, fly-by-wire spoileron inboard, a flight spoiler and two ground spoilers outboard. The fuel system includes single-point refueling capability in addition to over-wing fueling. A large airstair door is located on the port side, forward of the wing.

Accomodations

The Challenger 850 is a transcontinental business jet built from the rugged and proven RJ airliner airframe which has accumulated over one million flight hours in that configuration. The cabin is normally configured for no more than 12 passengers with the interior divided into up to three compartments for executive acommodations. An open cabin arrangement is also available for seating up to 16 passengers. The stand-up cabin is wide enough for three-abreast seating and aisle space and has interior dimensions of 48.4ft in length, 6.1ft in height and 8.2ft in width. The full lavatory is located in the aft cabin area. The galley includes storage, refrigeration, microwave and convection oven as standard equipment. Cabin volume is 1,990 cu. ft.