Bombardier Aerospace has launched the new Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft, the next major step in the evolution of its flagship Challenger business jet, at the 58th NBAA Annual Meeting and Convention.

The new Challenger 605 builds on the reputation established by the world’s best-selling large business jet, the Challenger 604, featuring one of the most advanced cockpits available today, and a more spacious, restyled interior offering increased comfort and convenience.

An increased payload capacity of 200 pounds provides customers with additional flexibility to either add more options, add one more passenger or 200 pounds of fuel, while retaining the legendary range, comfort and value expected from the Challenger family.

A full size cabin mock-up is featured at the Bombardier chalet at Orlando Executive Airport.

“The original Challenger aircraft was built to meet the needs of discerning business and government leaders and quickly became the backbone of the world’s most esteemed corporate fleets,” said Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. “With the new Challenger 605, Bombardier continues to build on its ongoing commitment to product innovation. The aircraft combines the proven platform and reliability of its predecessor, with improved technology and enhanced comfort. The best value proposition in the large business jet class just became better.”

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” 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 customizable multi-function displays, thereby eliminating the need for paper-based charts. 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.

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 management 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.

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 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.

First flight is scheduled for first quarter of 2006. Certification by Transport Canada is expected in fourth quarter of 2006, with the first Challenger 605 jet scheduled to enter service in the third quarter of 2007. The list price for the new Challenger 605 aircraft is $26.7 million US.

FMI: www.bombardier.com