Story ID: 
Duncan Delivers Refurbed 'Eye-catching Wild' Challenger
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: An Australian-purchased Bombardier Challenger 604 underwent a transformation at Duncan Aviation's Battle Creek, Michigan facility.
Word Count: 387
Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek, Michigan facility recently completed a refurbishment of a Bombardier Challenger 604 that it said transformed the aircraft for a first-time jet owner from Australia with a “highly stylized” contemporary cabin. Working with the owner’s preferences, the interior lead designer, Emily Krawczak, created a look based on a palette of blacks, grays, and silvers in the cabin—a change from the previous browns, golds, and beiges. “It went from 100 percent mild to eye-catching wild,” said completions/modifications sales rep Adam Bruce.

The aircraft also received new paint, avionics upgrades, and a 12-month inspection, along with provisions for an air medical stretcher unit.

“Because the owner was represented by a management team, they brought this preowned, U.S.-based aircraft to us knowing it would eventually be registered overseas,” Bruce added. “It was in desperate need of a refurbishment, and the owner requested a contemporary interior that also allowed for comfort on long flights.”

Krawzcak explained that the design balanced the owner’s preference for darker colors with his wife’s desires for a light and bright aircraft. The owner further was interested in a highly customized chair design.

Touching all aspects of the interior except the cabinet interior laminate, the project involved a full hydrographic package for all woodwork, customized seat upholstery, laminated upper galley accents, new soft goods, and new plating. The stretcher unit incorporates an air-stair lift mechanism, removable left-hand forward bulkhead for the stretcher install, and custom floor covering for medical missions.

“All of those items are able to be removed to convert the aircraft for special missions, as well as standard use,” said Bruce. “Medical services in Australia sometimes require travel to access and this aircraft is now capable of safely transporting patients over long distances.”

The exterior was painted in a platinum pearl base with a stone pearl nose that fades into diagonal stripes along the body, which Duncan said creates an ombre effect. The stripes carry onto the engines and gold is added in pops on the body and winglets.

Meanwhile, the aircraft received upgrades for new lighting, along with the addition of USB outlets, an audio interface unit, a charging hub for personal devices, and a Gogo Airshow Mobile 2 unit.