Bombardier Challenger 300
The Bombardier Challenger 300 has both high performance and a larger cabin. It's a member of the super midsize jet class, with competitors such as the Gulfstream G200 and the Citation X. The Challenger 300 can fly coast to coast with up to nine passengers, and it was intended to offer lower operating costs.
Its cabin can seat nine in a double club setup, where if desired, three individual seats can be exchanged for a divan that seats three. All seats are adjustable, with folding tables and power outlets. Dual-zone air conditioning keeps pilot and passengers cool, and the low heat overhead lighting provides an open, airy feel to the cabin. The cabin is 16.5 feet long, 6.1 feet high, and 7.2 feet wide. There is 106 cubic feet of baggage space in an exterior compartment, which is accessed during flight through the bathroom area. The Challenger also has an optional luggage closet forward.
The best thing about the Challenger 300 is its payload and range capability. It can fly up to 3,560 miles at Mach .80, and it can take off in just 4,810 feet and climb to 37,000 feet in 14 minutes, with an upper cruising level of 45,000 feet. Its top cruising speed is Mach .82, and it burns 1,577 lbs. of fuel an hour through its twin Honeywell HTF 7000 turbofans that each have 6,826 lbs. of thrust. The plane's aerodynamic structure was built in part with the assistance of a computer program which created 3D models of the airflow around the fuselage and wing.
Most of the Challenger 300's body is made of aluminum, and it uses high intensity xenon landing lights that last more than ten thousand hours. Each jet comes standard with troubleshooting software that makes it easier for repair crews to find and fix problems, and cuts down on labor and maintenance costs. The jet uses the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite, which comes equipped with four LCD screens, and a system that alerts the crew to problems with fuel flow, oil temperature, torque and engine performance. All in all, the Challenger 300 is a solid choice, due to its ease of operation and maintenance.