PLANEPEDIA
Bombardier Challenger 601
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Challenger 601

$13.0M

Range

3370 NM

Max Speed

Mach 0.82

Capacity

Up to 8

Avionics

General Electric

Engines

CF34-3A

Origin

Canada

Ref ID: challenger-601. Subject to prior sale or removal from market.

About The Challenger 601

The Bombardier Challenger 601 is a large cabin business jet from Bombardier's Challenger family. It is an important part of Bombardier's private aviation history, serving owners, corporate flight departments, charter operators, and special mission users with a blend of speed, cabin utility, and proven systems for its generation.

3,370 Nautical Mile Range

Mission capability suited to coast-to-coast, transcontinental, and selected international missions.

Mach 0.82 Top Speed

High-speed performance for its class and production era.

Challenger Family Heritage

A notable Bombardier model that helped define the Challenger product line.

CF34-3A Engines

Twin General Electric turbofans shape the aircraft's performance and maintenance profile.

Spotlight: 3,370 Nautical Mile Range

Mission capability suited to coast-to-coast, transcontinental, and selected international missions.

Milestones

First FlightApril 10, 1982
CertificationTransport Canada and FAA 1983
Units Delivered250+

Program Status

Out of Production

Market ShareStrong
Backlog Est.N/A YRS
Residual Value68%

Challenger 601 Specifications

Performance

Max Cruise Speed

459 KTAS

(850 km/h)

Long Range Cruise

430 KTAS

(796 km/h)

Mach Speed

M 0.82

Max Range

3,370 NM

(6,241 km)

Service Ceiling

41,000 FT

(12,497 m)

Climb Rate

3,200 FPM

Takeoff Distance

5,830 FT

(1,777 m)

Landing Distance

2,775 FT

(846 m)

With a maximum range of approximately 3,370 nautical miles and a top operating speed of Mach 0.82, the Challenger 601 is designed for coast-to-coast, transcontinental, and selected international missions. Its 41,000 ft service ceiling, published runway performance, and mature support ecosystem make it a relevant aircraft for buyers evaluating capability, acquisition cost, and mission fit.

Powerplant

Engine Manufacturer

General Electric

Engine Model

CF34-3A

Engine Type

Turbofan

Thrust Per Engine

8,729 LBF

Engine Count

2

Maintenance Plan

On Condition

Noise Stage

Stage 3/4 compliant by configuration

The Challenger 601 is powered by two General Electric CF34-3A turbofan engines, each rated at approximately 8,729 pounds of thrust. This powerplant pairing defines much of the aircraft's climb, cruise, maintenance, and operating-cost profile, especially for legacy operators comparing engine programs and inspection status.

Operating Weights

MTOW (Max Takeoff)

44,000 LB

(19,958 kg)

Max Landing Weight

36,500 LB

(16,556 kg)

Max Zero Fuel Weight

30,000 LB

(13,608 kg)

Max Payload

4,800 LB

(2,177 kg)

Fuel Capacity

18,000 LB

(8,165 kg)

Operating Empty Weight

26,000 LB

(11,793 kg)

Operating weights dictate the structural limits and mission profile of the aircraft. With an MTOW of 44,000 lbs, the Challenger 601 offers a high payload-to-range ratio, allowing operators to carry a full cabin without sacrificing distance.

Challenger 601 Interior

Cabin Specs

Length

28.3 FT

(8.63 m)

Width

8.2 FT

(2.50 m)

Height

6.1 FT

(1.86 m)

The Challenger 601 cabin provides a wide large-cabin layout with generous aisle space and club seating options. Cabin dimensions are approximately 28.3 ft long, 8.2 ft wide, and 6.1 ft high, with seating for up to 12 passengers depending on layout and about 115 cubic feet of baggage capacity.

Challenger 601 Cabin Interior

Operating Economics

Based on an assumed utilization of 350 flight hours annually.

Variable Costs

$1,094,450/ Yr
Fuel (Est)$621,250
Maintenance$303,450
Engine Reserve$169,750

Fixed Costs

$415,000/ Yr
Crew Salaries$300,000
Hangarage$90,000
Insurance$25,000

Annual Budget

$1.51M

Estimated Total Spend

Market Leading Operators

NetJets
Corporate Flight Departments
Charter Operators
Government Operators

The Bombardier Challenger 601 had an estimated new list price of about $13.0M. Current pre-owned values vary significantly by year, total time, engine status, avionics, inspection history, and interior condition.

The Challenger 601 has a maximum range of approximately 3,370 nautical miles under typical published long-range cruise assumptions.

The Challenger 601 can reach a top operating speed of about Mach 0.82, with normal cruise speeds varying by altitude, weight, and mission profile.

Depending on cabin configuration, the Challenger 601 can accommodate up to 12 passengers.