Summary

  • Bombardier began in 1986 and became known for business jets, starting with Canadair.
  • The Challenger series started with the Learjet acquisition and then led to Bombardier Global jets.
  • Recent models like Challenger 3500 and Global 7500 offer impressive range and luxurious interiors.

Bombardier Aviation, a division of Bombardier Inc, has produced several lines of commercial aircraft and business jets. The company began after its parent company, Bombardier, acquired Canadair in 1986. This launched the company into the global aerospace market. This eventually led to the development of the Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ), a 50-seat regional jet that dominated the short-haul market.

However, Bombardier has become more notable for its production of business jets. Bombardier’s entry into the private aviation market began with the acquisition of Canadair. Bombardier continued the production of the Challenger series of aircraft, which had been previously been produced by Canadair. Bombardier has since launched upgraded variants of the aircraft.

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Production of the popular private jet series began six decades ago.

Bombardier continued its venture into the private aviation market with its acquisition of Learjet Corporation in 1990. Learjet had previous success in this market, beginning with the introduction of the Learjet 23 in the early 1960s. After Bombardier Aviation acquired Learjet, the company introduced the Learjet 60, a stretched version of the Learjet 55.

The French manufacturer also developed its own independent series of aircraft. This family of aircraft, called the Global, would eventually become the flagship business jet for the company. Overall, Bombardier has produced several different families of aircraft since it ventured into the private aviation market. Let’s take a closer look at which of these currently produced aircraft travels the fastest.

5

Bombardier Challenger 3500

Maximum speed: Mach 0.83 (615 miles per hour)

Length

68 feet eight inches

Height

20 feet

Wingspan

69 feet

Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)

40,600 pounds

Cruise speed

Mach 0.80 (593 miles per hour)

Range

3,400 nautical miles (3,913 miles)

Flight ceiling

45,000 feet

Bombardier developed the Challenger 300 series of aircraft in the late 1990s. The aircraft was set to fill the market void between the Learjet 60 and the Challenger 600 series. It formally launched at the 1999 Paris Air Show and flew for the first time in 2001. The aircraft was officially introduced in January 2004.

Bombardier Challenger_3500

Photo: Bombardier

Since then, Bombardier has upgraded the aircraft through two new variants: the Challenger 350 in 2014 and the Challenger 3500 in 2021. The upgraded Challenger 3500 upgraded the interior and added auto-throttles, among other upgrades. The Challenger 3500 is fitted with a supercritical wing, sweeping winglets, fly-by-wire flight controls, and a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite.

4

Bombardier Challenger 650

Maximum speed: Mach 0.85 (630 miles per hour)

Length

68 feet five inches

Height

20 feet eight inches

Wingspan

64 feet four inches

Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)

48,200 pounds

Cruise speed

Mach 0.80 (593 miles per hour)

Range

4,000 nautical miles (4,600 miles)

Flight ceiling

41,000 feet

The Challenger 650 is the oldest aircraft that Bombardier produces. This family of aircraft began as a concept by the legendary airplane designer, Bill Lear, and began production by Canadair. The aircraft was officially introduced in 1980. Over 1,000 aircraft variants have been manufactured. The aircraft was used as inspiration for the CRJ series of aircraft, and a stretched version was eventually turned into the Global Express.

Challenger 650 flying over Singapore

Photo: Bombardier

Several different variants have been introduced, although the Challenger 650 is what Bombardier currently produces. The supercritical wing allows the Challenger 650 to takeoff from short runways. It is powered by two General Electric CF34-3B turbofan engines, which each provide the aircraft with 9,220 pounds of force for thrust. The cabin can fit up to 19 passengers, and the standard interior configuration is split into seating areas with a galley and a lavatory.

3

Bombardier Global 5500

Maximum speed: Mach 0.90 (667 miles per hour)

Length

96 feet ten inches

Height

25 feet six inches

Wingspan

94 feet

Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)

92,500 pounds

Cruise speed

Mach 0.85 (560 miles per hour)

Range

5,700 nautical miles (6,559 miles)

Flight ceiling

51,000 feet

The Global 5500 was originally developed from the Global Express family of aircraft. This long range business jet was introduced in July 1999. However, Bombardier wanted a larger aircraft that had a longer range. After its introduction, Bombardier upgraded the aircraft several times, developing the Global 5000, the Global 6000, and the Global Express XRS.

A Bombardier Global 5500 flying above mountains.

Photo: Bombardier

The Global 5500 was one of the most recently introduced variants, which was certified in December 2019. It was officially introduced in July 2020. The long-range aircraft can connect cities like Los Angeles to Moscow, but still retains the ability to land on runways that require steep approaches, like London City.

2

Bombardier Global 6500

Maximum speed: Mach 0.90 (667 miles per hour)

Length

99 feet five inches

Height

25 feet six inches

Wingspan

94 feet

Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)

99,500 pounds

Cruise speed

Mach 0.85 (560 miles per hour)

Range

6,600 nautical miles (7,595 miles)

Flight ceiling

51,000 feet

As previously mentioned, the Bombardier Global 6500 stems from the same family, the Global Express, as the previous list entry, the Global 5500. The Global 6500 was certified at the same time as the Global 5500, which occurred in December 2019.

A Bombardier Defense Global 6500 flying over mountainous terrain.

Photo: Bombardier

The Global 6500 has the furthest range of any large-cabin business jet. It also has a smooth flex wing that contributes to a smoother ride for its passengers. Inside the cabin, the Global 6500 is equipped with three distinct interior zones and can be equipped with a kitchen, seating area, or a forward livery, depending on the passenger’s preference.

1

Bombardier Global 7500

Maximum speed: Mach 0.925 (686 miles per hour)

Length

111.17 feet

Height

27 feet

Wingspan

104 feet

Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)

114,850 pounds

Cruise speed

Mach 0.85 (560 miles per hour)

Range

7,700 nautical miles (8,861 miles)

Flight ceiling

51,000 feet

Net Jets Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft is landing on runway 14 in Davos

Photo: Robert Buchel | Shutterstock

Bombardier’s most recently certified business jet, the Global 7500, is also its fastest. This aircraft was developed from the Bombardier Global 6000 series and was officially certified in November 2018. The ultra-long-range business jet can reach a staggering 7,700 nautical miles (8,861 miles). Inside the aircraft, the cabin can be fitted with four zones, including a shower in the bathroom, sleeping area, or a kitchen.

It should be noted that Bombardier is expected to certify another aircraft, the Global 8000, and enter it into service by 2025. This aircraft is expected to reach a top speed of Mach 0.94 (697 miles per hour). Once this aircraft is introduced, it will become Bombardier’s fastest business jet.

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