The CC-144 Challenger, a DND long-range business jet, provides rapid transportation of government officials and high-ranking foreign dignitaries. With a maximum operating range of 5,930 km and a maximum speed of Mach 0.83, the Challenger is very efficient in driving its passengers almost anywhere in the world.
The Air Force fleet includes four Challenger aircraft, three of which can be configured when needed for medical evacuation missions. Each of the four devices can be used for the transportation of important personalities (VIP) or for utilitarian purposes, i.e. military transport. The crew of the CC-144 Challenger is comprised of two pilots, a flight engineer and a flight attendant to ensure the well-being of government officials and foreign dignitaries during the flight.
In its role as a VIP transport aircraft, the Challenger has been able to support many international humanitarian and diplomatic efforts. The Challenger transported the Canadian Minister of International Development to Jakarta, Indonesia, where he was traveling to support Canada's relief efforts following the tsunami that swept through Southeast Asia in 2004. A Challenger also took former Prime ministers Paul Martin and John Turner to Kiev, Ukraine, to oversee the 2004 free elections.
General Characteristics
- Crew: 2 pilots, 1 flight engineer, 1 flight attendant
- Passengers: 9 people, 3 stretchers
- Length: 20.85 m
- Wingspan: 18.84 m
- Height: 5.84 m
- Maximum total mass: 18,779 kg
- Power Train: Two General Electric CF34 engines
Performance
- Speed: Mach 0.83
- Practical ceiling: 1 2496.19 m
- Range of action: 2,200 - 3,200 nm
- Equipment: Training Equipment for Electronic Warfare
- Year of acquisition: 1982 to 1985, and 2002
- Canadian Forces Fleet: 4
Bases
- Ottawa, ON