Bombardier is considering upgrading its Challenger 850 – the corporate version of the CRJ200 regional jet – with the larger cabin windows and possibly the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated flightdeck introduced on the new Challenger 605.
The 605’s windows – 50mm (2in) taller than those on its 604 predecessor and moved 65mm higher – could be fitted on the 850 “without too much work”, says Scott Wight, Challenger product planning manager. Replacing the 850’s Rockwell Collins flightdeck with the more integrated Pro Line 21 is also an option. Wight says, however, that “we would have to scope out what our customers want” as the aircraft is pitched at a price-sensitive segment of the market.
Bombardier is getting more upbeat about sales prospects for the Challenger 850 in emerging markets after introducing the Challenger 800-series brand last year chiefly to clear an inventory of cancelled CRJ200s for US regional airlines and provide a stay of execution for its CRJ200 production line. Although Bombardier offers business jet versions of its larger regional aircraft, the CRJ200 derivative is proving most popular; the manufacturer signed a deal last year with Lufthansa Technik to carry out completions on 17 Challenger 850s.
Source: Flight International
