The Challenger 890 CS Corporate Shuttle derives from Canadair’s Regional Jet series, having all of the space and performance capabilities of an airliner at the cost of a turboprop. The largest of the Challenger series, the 890 CS offers everything its predecessor, the 870, does with a few additions: extended length and greater thrust. All of the Challenger Corporate Shuttles were designed to transport high volumes of passengers in a cost effective manner.
As a high-capacity business “shuttle,” the 890 CS requires a great source of power. The aircraft shares its powerhouse with its predecessor: a pair of General Electric CF34-8C5 turbofan engines. They provide an astounding 14,000 lbs of thrust apiece. When compared to the 850’s GE CF34-8C1 engines, these have better fuel consumption and high altitude performance, as well as lower maintenance costs (due to 30% fewer materials).
The 890 CS’s is equipped with the same flight deck as the 870 CS as well as the Regional Airliner it was modeled after. The Pro Line 4 includes six screens, primary and secondary flight displays, and full EICAS functionality. Other features are dual GPS receivers, dual FMS, dual nav/comm, Mode S transponder, WXR 840 weather radar, and an automatic fire detection system.
For a larger aircraft, the Challenger 890 CS still compares with smaller, faster business jets in regards to performance. During climb, it takes a relatively quick 28 minutes to reach 37,000 feet. It can also cruise at high speeds of 471 ktas; its long range cruise speed clocks in at 447 ktas. The 890 CS reaches a certified flight ceiling of 41,000 feet.
The Challenger 890 CS’s cabin is significantly longer than the 850 CS (21.4 feet to be exact). The interior measures 59.1 feet long, 8.3 feet wide and 6.1 feet high, and the floor has been lowered one inch. A true high-capacity business jet, the 890 seats a maximum of 90 passengers, available in configurations of all coach seating or all business seating. Storage is plentiful in the Challenger 890 CS, holding 350 cubic feet of luggage and an additional 109 cubic feet under its floor. As far as the interior is concerned, the Challenger 890 CS’s is an airliner.
The Challenger 890, like its predecessors, is unique in that it originated from an airliner. The jet is ideal for large capacity travel, providing the accommodations of an airliner with the costs of a smaller aircraft. Like all great aircraft, additional features and design modifications have allowed the 890 CS to deliver more in performance and space over the 850 CS. It is the perfect investment for a large executive company.