The Bombardier Challenger 850 is a large-cabin business jet derived from the CRJ200 regional airliner, designed to deliver airline-level reliability with executive comfort. The platform traces its lineage to the CRJ series introduced in 1992, with the Challenger SE variant appearing in the mid-1990s. Bombardier officially branded the aircraft as the Challenger 850 in 2006, and production continued until 2017, with more than 70 units delivered. This evolution reflects Bombardier’s strategy to adapt proven commercial designs for private aviation, combining spacious interiors with transcontinental performance.
Powered by two General Electric CF34-3B1 turbofan engines, each producing 8,729 lbs of thrust (up to 9,220 lbs with APR), the Challenger 850 achieves a high-speed cruise of 459 knots (Mach 0.80) and a typical cruise of 442 knots. It offers a maximum range of 2,811 nautical miles under NBAA IFR conditions and operates at a service ceiling of 41,000 ft. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 53,000 lbs, and it requires approximately 6,305 ft of runway for takeoff at sea level. Its robust airframe and systems deliver performance comparable to large jets while maintaining cost efficiency.
The cabin is among the most spacious in its class, measuring 48 ft 5 in in length, 8 ft 2 in in width, and 6 ft 1 in in height, for a total volume of about 1,960 cu ft. Typical executive layouts accommodate 14 to 16 passengers in three zones, featuring a forward club section, mid-cabin conference area, and aft lounge or divan. Amenities include a full-service galley, forward and aft lavatories, and advanced entertainment and connectivity options. The baggage compartment provides 202 cu ft of storage, accessible during flight.
For operators, the Challenger 850 offers exceptional cabin space and operational flexibility at a fraction of the cost of ultra-long-range jets. Its combination of proven systems, large-cabin comfort, and competitive operating economics makes it a popular choice for corporate shuttle missions and charter operations worldwide.
