Challenger CL-604 VIP transport
The Royal Australian Air Force Challenger CL-604 special purpose VIP transports are operated by the Royal Australian Air Force's No 34 Squadron, based at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra. The Challenger has a crew of three (pilot, co-pilot and attendant) and carries up to nine passengers.
The Challenger CL-604 is a derivative of the Challenger 600, which has been progressively updated to improve range, performance and reliability. The CL-604 is fitted with a high-tech wing, high bypass CF34-3B engines, and a Collins ProLine 4 ‘glass cockpit’. The Challengers joined the VIP fleet in July 2002.
No 34 Squadron operates and crews the special purpose VIP fleet of BBJs and Challengers, with the service and maintenance now contracted to Qantas.
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| Manufacturer | Bombardier |
|---|---|
| Role | Special purpose passenger and VIP transport |
| Crew | Two pilots and one crew attendant |
| Engine | Two General Electric CF34-3B turbofans (9,220 lbs thrust each) |
| Airframe | Length: 20.86m height: 6.3m |
| Wingspan | 19.61m (including winglets) |
| Weight | 21,863kg (max takeoff), 17,236kg (max landing) |
| Speed | 870km/h normal operations |
| Range | 5,600km (with max fuel and reserves) |
| Ceiling | 41,000 feet |
| Accommodation | 9 passengers |