Challenger 350: Best-selling by design

According to David Coleal, President of Bombardier Aviation, the upgrades «reflect a long-standing commitment to continuously innovate and boost the performance of the 300-series Challengers.»

The performance enhancements improve the Challenger 350’s range when departing from short runways up to 2,778 km, which is partly achieved by better rudder authority, direction and beefed-up braking action. This will enable the updated jet to land and depart in the airfi eld of Santa Monica, California, which recently shortened its runway up to 1,066 m, thus complementing its steep approach certifi cations from EASA, the FAA, and Transport Canada issued last year.

«When you engage this steep approach procedure, you have to engage the inhibitor for short runways, to let the aircraft know you’re about to do a maneuver that’s a bit more steep than usual, but apart from that, there’s no physical changes to the aircraft,» said Mathieu Noel, Director for Product Strategy and Design at Bombardier Business Aircraft. «There are no air brakes or spoilers as some other aircraft have to use to get into that airport.»

In the cabin, improved acoustical insulation reduces the CL350’s already low sound level by 1 to 2 dB, and as much as 4-5 dB lower than in previous CL300 models, making it quietest in class. «The insulation technology we use in the 350 has been completely redefi ned,» said Noel and added that «we pay a great deal of attention to local sources of noise in the airplane.»

The cockpit will feature a newly introduced lightweight head-up display (HUD) and enhanced vision system (EVS) - also available as retrofi ts for in-service models - to allow pilots to look forward in all fl ight phases. The three-sensor EVS is the most advanced system in the super-mid business jet category, according to Bombardier, and has the ability to capture LED lights, which has been a challenge for conventional EVS systems.

Both cockpit and cabin incorporate improved ergonomic and aesthetic touches throughout.

The CL350 is the only aircraft in category that can fl y nonstop on the route London-New York (5,926 km) with a full passenger load. Last year it was «the most-delivered aircraft in the market,» with 60 jets handed over to clients, representing more than 50 percent of midsize jet purchases.

Bombardier calls Challenger 350 the world’s best-selling business jet based on total sales of 300-series Challenger jets over the past decade.