Heavy Jet - Legacy Production
Bombardier Challenger 605: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Bombardier
Bombardier Challenger 605: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Bombardier Challenger 605, produced from 2006 to 2015, is the avionics and structural upgrade successor to the highly successful Challenger 604, introduced in early 2006. The 605 was developed as a direct evolution of the 604 to address ongoing operator demand for modernized systems while maintaining the proven Challenger 600-series platform. Key 605 improvements include: larger cabin windows positioned higher in the fuselage, redesigned new tail-cone, all-new Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics (replacing the 604's ProLine 4), 55% more display space, revamped cabin and cockpit, upgraded galley, lower weight with higher thrust, and increased payload capability. Powered by the same proven General Electric CF34-3B turbofan engines (8,729 lbf flat rated, 9,220 lbf with APR), the Challenger 605 delivers 4,123-4,150 nautical miles of range, Mach 0.82 maximum cruise speed (459 kts), and a 41,000 ft service ceiling. The aircraft is operated by two pilots with seating typically configured for 9-10 passengers (up to 19 maximum certified). The wide-body Challenger cabin (8 ft 2 in width, 6 ft 1 in stand-up height) was retained from the foundational Challenger 600 design. The Challenger 605 had a 200 lb payload improvement over the 604 through optimal weight distribution and improved fuel economy. Total production: 290 aircraft. Pre-owned market today: $8.3 million (2007 model) to $16 million (2015 model).
For operators wanting wide-body Challenger heritage with substantially modernized Pro Line 21 avionics, larger cabin windows, and improved cabin/cockpit refinements over the 604, the Challenger 605 represents the optimal mid-point evolution before the Challenger 650 succeeded it.
Challenger 605 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Heavy Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2015 (succeeded by Challenger 650) |
| Designation | Bombardier Challenger 605 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier |
| Service Entry | Early 2006 |
| Production Years | 2006 to 2015 |
| Total Units Built | 290 |
| Active Fleet | 287 (per industry counts) |
| Family Heritage | Challenger 600 series |
| Predecessor | Challenger 604 (1995-2006) |
| Successor | Challenger 650 (2015-Present) |
| Distinctive Feature | Avionics and structural upgrade of 604 |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Typical) | 9 |
| Passengers (Max Certified) | 19 |
| Engines | 2× General Electric CF34-3B turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 8,729 lbf (flat rated) / 9,220 lbf with APR |
| Total Thrust | 17,458 lbf (flat rated) |
| Engine Same as 604 | Yes |
| Fuel Burn | 258 gph |
| Avionics | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Display Space vs Pro Line 4 | 55% more |
| Empty Weight vs 604 | Lower (improved fuel economy) |
| Payload vs 604 | +200 lbs improvement |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR 4 pax) | 4,123 to 4,150 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.82 (459 kts) |
| Typical Cruise Speed | 442 kts |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Cabin Length | 28 ft 5 in |
| Cabin Width | 8 ft 2 in (98 in) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft 1 in (73 in - stand-up) |
| Cabin Volume | 1,150 cu ft |
| Cabin Windows | Larger and higher positioned vs 604 |
| Total Baggage Volume | 115-130 cu ft (internal, in-flight accessible) |
| 2007 Pre-Owned Value (Vref) | $8,300,000 |
| 2015 Pre-Owned Value (Vref) | $16,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Range (2025) | $8,000,000 to $17,000,000 |
History as the Pro Line 21 Upgrade
The Challenger 605 represents Bombardier's strategic modernization of the proven 604 platform, focused on avionics, cabin upgrades, and modest structural improvements rather than a complete redesign.
Platform timeline:
- 2002-2005: Challenger 605 development
- Early 2006: Service entry
- 2006-2015: Production run (290 aircraft)
- 2014: Challenger 650 announced as 605 upgrade
- 2015: Challenger 605 production ends
- 2015: Challenger 650 succeeds
Key Improvements Over Challenger 604
The Challenger 605 introduced focused upgrades over the predecessor 604:
1. Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Avionics (vs ProLine 4 on 604)
The defining 605 improvement:
- Pro Line 21 modernization: vs 604's ProLine 4 EFIS
- 55% more display space: Modern integration
- Modern flight management: Integrated
- Improved synthetic vision capability: With retrofit
- Industry-standard for 2006 era: Premium
2. Larger and Higher-Positioned Cabin Windows
- Repositioned higher in fuselage: More natural light
- Substantially larger windows: Premium experience
- Brighter cabin: Improved atmosphere
- Modern aesthetic: Refined
3. Redesigned New Tail-Cone
- Modernized aerodynamics: Modest improvement
- Updated styling: Modern appearance
- Distinguishing visual feature: 605 identification
4. Lower Empty Weight + Higher Effective Thrust
- Improved weight distribution: Optimal
- +200 lb payload improvement: vs 604
- Better fuel economy: Operating savings
5. Revamped Cabin and Cockpit
- Upgraded interior finishes: Modern aesthetic
- Upgraded galley: Refined
- Modern cockpit design: Modernized
- Integrated cabin management: Modern
Cabin Interior
The Challenger 605 retains the proven Challenger 600-series wide-body cabin:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 28 ft 5 in |
| Cabin Width | 8 ft 2 in (98 in) |
| Cabin Height | 6 ft 1 in (73 in - stand-up) |
| Cabin Volume | 1,150 cu ft |
| Cabin Windows | Larger and higher positioned vs 604 |
| Total Baggage | 115-130 cu ft (in-flight accessible) |
Standard 9-10 Passenger Configuration
- Double-Club Layout: Standard
- Forward Club + Half Club + Divan: Alternative
- Up to 19 Passengers: Maximum (high-density)
- Forward Galley: Standard (upgraded vs 604)
- Aft Lavatory: Standard
- In-Flight Baggage Access: Standard
- Standard 10 Passengers Executive: Typical
Cabin Features
- Wide-body 8'2" cabin width: Industry-leading
- 6'1" stand-up cabin: Premium feature
- 1,150 cu ft cabin volume: Substantial
- Larger and higher cabin windows: vs 604 improvement
- Upgraded galley: Standard vs 604
- Modern cabin amenities: Standard
- High-speed WiFi compatible: Retrofits available (Gogo L5 AVANCE common)
- Multiple cabin management options: Available
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.82 (459 kts) |
| Typical Cruise Speed | 442 kts |
| Long-Range Cruise | 424 kts |
| Range (NBAA IFR 4 pax) | 4,123 to 4,150 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 41,000 ft |
| Fuel Burn | 258 gph |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to London (3,000 nm) - comfortable
- Los Angeles to Hawaii (2,556 nm) - very comfortable
- Coast-to-coast U.S.: Workhorse capability with reserves
- 8-hour non-stop flights: Standard capability
- New York to Frankfurt (3,490 nm) - achievable
Engines
Two General Electric CF34-3B turbofan engines, each producing 8,729 lbf flat rated thrust (9,220 lbf with APR). Same proven engines as the Challenger 604.
Avionics: Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Modern integrated avionics suite:
- Pro Line 21: Modernized from 604's ProLine 4
- 55% more display space: Major modernization
- Modern integrated displays: For 2006 era
- Modern flight management: Integrated
- Standard FANS, CPDLC compliant: Modern airspace
- Synthetic vision retrofit available: Modern
- HF radios, digital air data: Standard
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~258 gph) | $1,800 to $2,300 |
| Engine Reserve | $700 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $800 |
| Misc Variable | $400 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$3,700 to $4,200/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $3.6 million all-in.
Pricing
| Year | Pre-Owned Price (Vref + Market) |
|---|---|
| 2015 Challenger 605 (Final Production) | $14,000,000 to $17,000,000 |
| 2013 to 2014 Challenger 605 | $12,000,000 to $15,000,000 |
| 2010 to 2012 Challenger 605 | $10,000,000 to $13,000,000 |
| 2007 to 2009 Challenger 605 | $8,300,000 to $11,000,000 |
Vref values 2007 Challenger 605 at $8.3M and 2015 model at $16M.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Step-Up From Challenger 604: Modernized avionics and cabin
- Transcontinental Operators: 4,123-4,150 nm range
- Bombardier Service Network Operators: Worldwide established
- Operators Valuing Wide-Body Comfort: 8'2" cabin width
- Mid-Range Heavy Jet Buyers: Optimal value position
Less suited if:
- You need single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You require current Pro Line Fusion (consider 650)
- You want maximum efficiency (modern engines burn less)
- You need 5,000+ nm range (consider Falcon 7X/8X, Global 6500)
Pros and Cons
What the Challenger 605 Does Well
- 4,123-4,150 nm range (+100 nm vs 604)
- Mach 0.82 cruise (459 kts)
- 41,000 ft service ceiling
- GE CF34-3B engines (proven)
- 9,220 lbf APR takeoff thrust
- 55% more display space (Pro Line 21)
- Larger and higher cabin windows
- Wide-body 8'2" cabin width
- 6'1" stand-up cabin
- 1,150 cu ft cabin volume
- Up to 19 passengers
- +200 lb payload improvement vs 604
- Upgraded galley and cabin
- Modern aircraft (2006-2015 production)
- Bombardier worldwide service network
- 290 aircraft fleet support
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Production ended 2015 (10+ year old airframes)
- Two-pilot operation required
- Pro Line 21 dated vs current Pro Line Fusion
- Less efficient vs Challenger 650 modernization
- Newer Challenger 650 widely available
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Challenger 605 different from the Challenger 604?
The Challenger 605 (2006) is the avionics and structural upgrade successor to the Challenger 604 (1995-2006). Key improvements: all-new Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics (55% more display space than ProLine 4), larger and higher-positioned cabin windows, redesigned new tail-cone, lower weight with +200 lb payload improvement, upgraded galley, revamped cabin and cockpit, and improved fuel economy. Same GE CF34-3B engines and basic wide-body cabin geometry.
How is the Challenger 605 different from the Challenger 650?
The Challenger 650 (2015) is the direct successor with modernized systems. Key improvements: 5% more takeoff thrust (CF34-3B MTO engines), enhanced Pro Line 21 Advanced avionics, redesigned cabin with larger seats, advanced galley, more advanced cabin management, 200 nm more range capability (~4,000 vs 605's 4,123-4,150 nm typical mission, but Bombardier marketing materials cite 4,000 nm 650 as primary spec).
How many Challenger 605s were built?
A total of 290 Challenger 605 aircraft were built during the 2006 to 2015 production run, with 287 still in operation (per industry counts).
Is the Challenger 605 single-pilot certified?
No. The Challenger 605 requires two pilots.
What engines power the Challenger 605?
Two General Electric CF34-3B turbofan engines, each producing 8,729 lbf flat rated thrust (or 9,220 lbf with Automatic Power Reserve, APR). Same engines as the Challenger 604.
What is Pro Line 21 vs ProLine 4?
Pro Line 21 (used on Challenger 605, 2006-2015) is the modernized successor to ProLine 4 (used on Challenger 604, 1995-2006). The Pro Line 21 offers 55% more display space, modern integrated displays, modern flight management, and better situational awareness. Many Challenger 605s have been upgraded to Pro Line 21 Advanced standard during their service life.
What is the typical pre-owned price of a Challenger 605?
Per Vref values, a 2007 Challenger 605 is valued at approximately $8.3 million and a 2015 model at approximately $16 million. The wider market range is $8 million (early production) to $17 million (newer airframes with upgrades), with substantial variance based on hours, condition, and equipment.
The Bottom Line
The Bombardier Challenger 605 represents Bombardier's strategic mid-life update to the proven Challenger 604 platform, focused on avionics modernization (Pro Line 21), cabin upgrades (larger and higher windows), and modest structural improvements rather than a complete redesign. With substantially modernized Pro Line 21 avionics (55% more display space than the 604's ProLine 4), redesigned tail-cone, upgraded galley, and +200 lb payload improvement, the 605 delivered focused improvements while retaining the proven 604 engines (GE CF34-3B) and wide-body 8'2" cabin width. During its 2006-2015 production run (290 aircraft), the 605 established the modernized middle ground between the proven 604 and the current production Challenger 650. At current pre-owned pricing of $8.3M-$17M, the platform offers exceptional wide-body Challenger heritage value with modernized avionics. Bombardier worldwide service network continues to support the 605 platform.
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Challenger 604: Direct Predecessor (ProLine 4 Avionics, 1995-2006)
- Challenger 650: Direct Successor (2015-Present)
- Challenger 850: Larger Variant (CRJ200-Based)
- Bombardier Global 5500/6500: Larger Globals
Production of the Bombardier Challenger 605 ended in 2015. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Bombardier provides worldwide parts/support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.