Bombardier Reveals Next-gen 600-series Challenger

Bombardier unveiled the Challenger 650, a refreshed version of the Model 605 with new avionics and engines, yesterday on the eve of NBAA 2014. Deliveries of the $33.25 million Challenger 650 are targeted for the second quarter of next year.

The updated Challenger will feature the Bombardier Vision flight deck based on the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system, originally designed for the Bombardier Global 6000. Vision features large 15-inch displays and includes head-up guidance, synthetic vision, enhanced vision, MultiScan weather radar and the Integrated Flight Information System.

The 650’s passenger cabin borrows design elements from the cabins of the under-development Learjet 85 and recently refreshed Challenger 350. Improvements include wider seats, a galley with a temperature oven, more personal storage in and around the seats and an audio/video-on-demand system.

Its GE Aviation 9,220-pound-thrust CF34-3BMTO engines have 5 percent more takeoff thrust than those on the Challenger 605. The additional thrust is pilot selectable via a new performance thrust setting.

Fractional-ownership provider NetJets is the launch customer with a firm order for 25 jets and options for an additional 50, to be completed to the Signature Series standard specified by NetJets. The order converts a previous NetJets order for Challenger 605 “NG” aircraft placed in 2012.