A321 vs CL-600 Challenger

The A321 and the CL-600 Challenger are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Bombardier respectively. Top speed is 871 km/h for the A321 vs 882 km/h for the CL-600 Challenger. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 7,400 km for the CL-600 Challenger. The CL-600 Challenger operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 12,000 m for the A321. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 4.0x the CL-600 Challenger's 19,550 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 1,066 for the CL-600 Challenger. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $14M for the CL-600 Challenger. The CL-600 Challenger first flew 9 years before the A321 (1978 vs 1987).

European narrow-body commercial passenger jet, recognized for global use since 1990s, employed extensively by major airlines.
Airbus A321 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 27 February 1987
Year introduced 1994
Number produced 2917 units
Average unit price $120 million
Canadian business jet, introduced in the 1980s, extensively deployed for VIP and corporate travel worldwide.
Bombardier CL-600 Challenger Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Bombardier
First flight 8 November 1978
Year introduced 1980
Number produced 1066 units
Average unit price $14 million
Wing area 122.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 34.1 m â—‰
Height 11.8 m â—‰
Length 37.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 871 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,930 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 42,600 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf â—‰
Wing area 48.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 19.6 m â—‰
Height 6.3 m â—‰
Length 20.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 882 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,497 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 19,550 kg â—‰
Empty weight 9,292 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 4,146 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or CL-600 Challenger?
The CL-600 Challenger is faster with a maximum speed of 882 km/h compared to the A321's 871 km/h, a difference of 11 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or CL-600 Challenger?
The CL-600 Challenger has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the A321's 5,930 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or CL-600 Challenger?
The CL-600 Challenger has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or CL-600 Challenger?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the CL-600 Challenger's 19,550 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or CL-600 Challenger?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the CL-600 Challenger's 20.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or CL-600 Challenger?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the CL-600 Challenger at $14 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or CL-600 Challenger?
The CL-600 Challenger entered service first in 1980, 14 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or CL-600 Challenger?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 1,066 units of the CL-600 Challenger.