Bombardier today is poised to strengthen its leadership position in the large business jet category in the Middle East with the introduction of the new widebody Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft, the next generation of its popular Challenger 604 business jet.
The new Challenger 605 aircraft, unveiled at the 58th National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention on November 8, 2005, elevates the market standard for range, reliability and value set by the Challenger aircraft family to the next level. It features one of the most advanced cockpits available today, and a more spacious, restyled interior offering increased comfort and convenience. As well, an increased payload capacity of 200 pounds (91 kg) provides customers with the flexibility to either add more options, add one more passenger or 200 pounds (91 kg) of fuel.
With a 51 per cent share of the large jet installed base, Bombardier already ranks as the segment leader in the region. Now, with its unmatched value proposition, the new
Challenger 605 business jet is positioned to extend that lead even further. The aircraft is the latest demonstration of Bombardier’s unflagging commitment to product innovation and leadership.
“The Challenger brand is recognized and trusted worldwide for delivering the superior all-around value package in its class,” stated Bob Horner, vice-president, sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “By combining the proven platform and reliability of its predecessor with a new avionics suite, improved cabin technology and comfort, the new Challenger 605 will ensure that the Challenger family continues to set the pace in the Middle East."
Modern avionics system moves towards paperless cockpit
The Challenger 605 flight deck features the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, which is fully configurable and offers pilots instant, intuitive access to critical flight information.
The integrated avionics package includes four 10” by 12” (25.4 cm by 30.5 cm) vertically aligned next generation LCD screens, increasing the display area by 55 per cent over the current flight deck and dramatically improving the colour and clarity of the visuals.
It also includes the Rockwell Collins Integrated Flight Information System (IFIS) as standard equipment. The advanced features of the Rockwell Collins IFIS enables electronic charts, allowing pilots to call up approach plates, airport diagrams and procedures, such as standard instrument departures and standard terminal arrival routes, via the multi-function displays.
The system also allows the aircraft’s position to be overlaid on navigation charts, resulting in a significant improvement in situational awareness.
The flight deck is also equipped with a co-pilot side display touch screen, which enables a second copy of electronic charts to allow for “paperless” operations. Driven by the cabin electronic system, it also provides cabin system annunciations and backup galley control for the cabin system.
Restyled interior with increased usable cabin volume
The aircraft’s interior features a number of important enhancements designed to maximize passenger comfort -- the largest cabin in its class is now even more spacious. The cabin is redesigned to provide more headroom and cabin volume and includes LED lighting throughout. The windows have been enlarged and relocated, and new window reveal designs boost the amount of natural light and substantially increase the viewing angle. A new galley design offers passengers increased storage capacity and functionality as well as optimized, ergonomically enhanced working areas.
A digital, Ethernet-based, cabin electronic system provides passengers with a new level of cabin control and flexibility. The system includes touch-screen controls in both the galley and at the VIP location, enables new optional features such as audio/video on demand, and supports optional high-speed connectivity for e-mailing and web browsing.
Improved payload range
A combination of new materials and technologies together with the new lighter flight deck will reduce the overall weight of the Challenger 605 jet by 200 pounds (91 kg) from the current Challenger 604 aircraft, which translates to more payload flexibility. For example,
the Challenger 605 will offer the same range as its predecessor, but with an extra passenger on board.
The Challenger 605 aircraft offers proven intercontinental performance and an impressive non-stop range of up to 4,045 nautical miles (7,491 km). At a cruise speed of Mach 0.80, the aircraft can swiftly link city pairs such as Dubai-London in seven hours, 44 minutes, Riyadh-Geneva in
six hours, 24 minutes and Jeddah-Berlin in five hours, 50 minutes.
The first flight of the Challenger 605 aircraft is planned for the first quarter of 2006. Certification by Transport Canada is expected in the fourth quarter of 2006, with the first Challenger 605 scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2007. The list price for a new Challenger 605 business jet is $26,714 million U.S.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2005, were
$15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD).
News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Challenger, Challenger 604 and Challenger 605 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
