Bombardier’s Challenger 604 is a long-range, heavy business jets that can handle your long-leg coast-to-coast or international trips with speed, efficiency, sophistication, and comfort—and no stops in between. The 604 was introduced in 1995 as a continuation of the successful Challenger 600 line, improving upon the design of the Challenger 601 and adding upgraded avionics. Though production ended in 2006 with the coming of the Challenger 605, the 604 remains incredibly popular—a total of 347 were built. The 604 is known throughout private aviation as the perfect equilibrium between elite performance capabilities and superior cabin size. The jet’s wide body and warm interior make for a relaxing journey no matter the destination.
Challenger 604 Features
Interior
The Challenger 604 has some of the widest cabin space for a long-range business jet at over 8 feet, matched with generous standing room of over 6 feet, a length of over 28 feet, and a total volume of 1,146 cubic feet. Passengers can access their luggage safely in flight thanks to the jet’s generous 115 cubic feet of internal baggage space, and can focus on business or relaxation thanks to one of the quietest cabins in the industry.
Conference groupings of four seats allow passengers to focus primarily on business in one of the quietest cabins in the industry. The rear living area can be used for work or rest, with a half-club section sitting opposite a divan meant for extra seating or lounging. Two display monitors, a DVD system, a full lavatory, and a deluxe galley are also included in the cabin.
Performance
The aircraft’s increased payload, impressive range, and improved fuel efficiency make it unique among the heavy-jet category. The 604 is powered by two General Electric CF-34-3B engines, producing 8,729 pounds of thrust each. The business jet is capable of traveling around 3,800 nautical miles non-stop, and can reach a high cruise speed of 538 mph.
One of the first business jets designed with a super-critical wing, the Challenger 604 also improves upon the previous jets in the Challenger line by being one of the most fuel-economic in the industry. The Challenger 604 burns around 289 gallons of fuel per hour and has a maximum takeoff weight of 48,200 lbs. As compared to predecessors, one of the improvements of the Challenger 604 is its impressive payload. By increasing the payload to 4,815 pounds, the aircraft can become more fuel-efficient while stabilizing weight distribution.