Key Takeaways:
- The Bombardier Challenger 300 is a super midsize business jet, typically seating eight or nine passengers, with a range of 3,100 nautical miles.
- It first flew in 2001 and entered service in January 2004. It was followed by the Challenger 350 and the current Challenger 3500.
- Hundreds were delivered, so it is widely available on the pre-owned and charter markets.
Overview of the Bombardier Challenger 300
The Challenger 300 is a super midsize business jet built by Bombardier. It can fly across the continental United States in a single hop, with a flat-floor cabin sized for small groups.
Bombardier designed it from a clean sheet in the late 1990s, rather than developing it from the earlier Challenger 600. It was meant to sit between the Learjet 60 and the Challenger 604 in Bombardier's lineup. The program launched at the 1999 Paris Air Show under the name Bombardier Continental.
Key suppliers included Rockwell Collins for the Pro Line 21 avionics and AlliedSignal for the engines. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries designed and built the single-piece wing. Final assembly took place in Montreal.
Performance and Specifications
- Passengers: typically 8 or 9 with standard cabin layouts
- Range: 3,100 nautical miles
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.83
- Cruise speed: Mach 0.80 (459 knots)
- Ceiling: 45,000 feet
- Engines: two Honeywell HTF7000 turbofans, 6,826 lbf of thrust each
- Maximum takeoff weight: 38,850 lb
- Maximum payload: 3,500 lb
- Wingspan: 63 ft 10 in
- Height: 20 ft 4 in
- Takeoff distance: 4,810 feet
- Landing distance: 2,600 feet
- Crew: two pilots
At maximum takeoff weight in standard conditions, it climbs to 41,000 feet in 18 minutes.
The flight deck uses Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics with four LCD displays, EICAS, a maintenance diagnostics computer, EGPWS terrain warning and TCAS II collision avoidance. A digital MultiScan weather radar is also installed.
Timeline
- 1999: launched at the Paris Air Show as the Bombardier Continental.
- August 14, 2001: first flight.
- May 31, 2003: Transport Canada approval, followed by US certification on June 4 and European approval on July 31.
- January 8, 2004: entered commercial service.
- 2014: the improved Challenger 350 was certified.
- 2021: Bombardier unveiled the Challenger 3500.
Comparison with Other Aircraft
The closest comparison is with its own successors:
- Challenger 350: same cabin size with a more modern interior, Honeywell HTF7350 engines with more thrust, canted winglets, 20% taller cabin windows and a range of 3,200 nautical miles.
- Challenger 3500: adds auto-throttles and an upgraded cabin, seats up to 10, and has a range of 3,400 nautical miles.
Outside the family, the Challenger 300 and 350 were priced against the Embraer Legacy 500. In 2017, Bombardier cut the price of the Challenger 300/350 by $7 million to match the Legacy 500's $20 million price.
Cabin
All seats are berthable, and in some layouts they line up to form beds. Depending on the aircraft, the cabin can include a cabin management and in-flight entertainment system, power outlets, USB ports and wireless connectivity. Options include a three-place divan and an extra belted seat in the lavatory.
Because cabins differ from one aircraft to the next, check the layout and amenities of the specific jet before you book or buy.
Maintenance and Upgrades
By November 2014, the 448 Challenger 300s in service had logged nearly one million hours with a 99.79% dispatch reliability rate.
In 2022, the FAA ordered pilots to perform additional safety checks on the model after multiple incidents in which a horizontal stabilizer malfunctioned. Owners and operators should confirm that these checks and any related service bulletins are part of the aircraft's routine.
Resale Value and Owner Reviews
In November 2014, five-year-old aircraft retained 64% of their original value. For comparison, the unit cost of a new Challenger 300 in 2004 was $17.4 million.
In the 2020s, pre-owned Challenger 300s typically sell for $7 million to over $20 million, depending on year, hours, maintenance status and equipment.
Premium Pre-Owned Challenger 300
Around 450 Challenger 300s were delivered before the Challenger 350 took over, so there is a wide choice of used aircraft. When comparing them, look at:
- Total hours and cycles
- Engine and airframe maintenance status and program coverage
- Avionics and cabin updates
- Completion of FAA-ordered checks
Chartering a Challenger 300 with BLADE
BLADE arranges private charters of helicopters, jets and turboprops. You tell BLADE your route, date and group size, and BLADE books a suitable aircraft with a licensed operator. In the United States, BLADE acts as an air charter broker, and all flights are operated by DOT/FAA-licensed carriers.
With its 3,100 nautical mile range and room for eight or nine passengers, the Challenger 300 suits coast-to-coast trips for small groups. If one is not available for your date, BLADE can suggest a similar super midsize jet. Prices depend on the route, the aircraft and the timing, so check current options when you book.
FAQs about What Is Challenger 300
What is the Bombardier Challenger 300?
A super midsize business jet built by Bombardier. It entered service in January 2004 and can fly across the continental United States nonstop.
How many passengers does the Challenger 300 carry?
Typically eight or nine with standard cabin layouts.
What is the range of the Challenger 300?
3,100 nautical miles.
What is the resale value of the Challenger 300?
In the 2020s, pre-owned Challenger 300s typically sell for $7 million to over $20 million.
What are some similar aircraft to the Challenger 300?
Its successors, the Challenger 350 and Challenger 3500, and rivals in its class such as the Embraer Legacy 500.