The Challenger 600 series of aircraft originated in 1976, from the LearStar 600, a concept that the founder of Learjet, Bill Lear, presented to Canadair. Canadair was the original builder of the Challenger series of aircraft before Bombardier purchased Canadair.
The Challenger 850 is a re-badged Challenger 800 based on the Regional Jetliner CRJ 200, which in turn was developed from the Canadair Challenger 600 model. The aircraft is powered by two GE CF34-3B1 engines. In commercial service, the CRJs have accumulated over 6 million flight hours. The CL850 represents lessons learned from both the early CRJ aircraft and the business Challenger 600/601/604 series.
The aircraft, in business service, allow for customized interiors. The cabin width exceeds 8 feet and it has a flat floor with true stand-up room. Seating can range from 18 passengers in executive configuration to 30 in first-class shuttle configuration. Range varies with payload and is between 2,600 nautical miles to nearly 3,200 nautical miles with reserves. The main difference between the CL850LR, the CL850 and the CL850CS is the amount of fuel installed in the aircraft.
