PRESS RELEASE

 

Montreal Aviation Museum Acquires Canadair Challenger

Montréal, February 28, 2022

 

The Montreal Aviation Museum (MAM) is pleased to announce the acquisition of another historical aircraft for its growing collection of Quebec‑manufactured aircraft, a Canadair CC‑144 (CL‑601‑1A) “Challenger” (manufacturer’s model CL‑600‑2A12), serial number 3036.

Based on the Challenger 600 series of business jets, the CC‑144 that the MAM has acquired is the military version of the Challenger 601, configured to meet the needs of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). It was used primarily to transport government officials and foreign dignitaries as well as in a supporting role for humanitarian operations, medical evacuations, and military operations in Canada and around the world.

In 1976, Canadair, of Cartierville (Montréal), Quebec, began developing a wide-bodied twin‑engine business jet identified as the Challenger 600. The Challenger is a low-wing jet powered by two General Electric CF34‑1A turbofans mounted in aft fuselage pods, with a supercritical wing and a stand‑up cabin with two seating sections. The CL‑601 version also added winglets to reduce drag. It has a length of 20.85 m (68.4 ft.) with a wingspan of 18.84 m (61.8 ft.).

The first prototype was rolled out on May 25, 1978, and its maiden flight was accomplished later that year on November 8. It was certified by Transport Canada on August 10, 1980.

In 1982, twelve Challengers were purchased by the RCAF, with an additional seven from 1982 to 2020. The MAM’s aircraft was manufactured in January 1985 by Canadair before Bombardier Aerospace purchased the aviation manufacturer in 1986.

The development and manufacturing of the Challenger were important to the growth and viability of Bombardier Aerospace and ultimately to the aerospace industry in the Greater Montréal region. The aircraft will be put on static display at the museum in the near future.

The Montreal Aviation Museum, formerly known as the Canadian Aviation Heritage Centre, was founded in 1998 by Godfrey Pasmore. Located on the Macdonald Campus of McGill University in Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Bellevue (Montréal), Quebec, the MAM is a non‑profit volunteer‑based organization dedicated to the preservation of Canada’s rich aviation history with an emphasis on Quebec’s role. It is Quebec’s only civil and military aviation museum.

Photos are available upon request.

For more information: Jim Killin (514) 398‑7948

Website: https://www.mam.quebec

Email: info@mam.quebec