CL-600 Challenger vs DC-3

The CL-600 Challenger and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Bombardier and Douglas respectively. The CL-600 Challenger reaches 882 km/h — 2.1x the DC-3's 413 km/h. The CL-600 Challenger has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The CL-600 Challenger operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. The CL-600 Challenger has been produced in 1,066 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $14M for the CL-600 Challenger vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 37 years before the CL-600 Challenger (1941 vs 1978).

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
American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $0.1 million
Wing area 48.3 m²
Wingspan 19.6 m
Height 6.3 m
Length 20.9 m
Maximum speed 882 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m
Max. takeoff weight 19,550 kg
Empty weight 9,292 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,146 kgf
Wing area 91.7 m²
Wingspan 29.0 m
Height 5.6 m
Length 22.7 m
Maximum speed 413 km/h
Operational range 2,540 km
Service ceiling 7,071 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg
Empty weight 6,450 kg
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CL-600 Challenger or DC-3?
The CL-600 Challenger is faster with a maximum speed of 882 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 469 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CL-600 Challenger or DC-3?
The CL-600 Challenger has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the DC-3's 2,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the CL-600 Challenger or DC-3?
The CL-600 Challenger has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the CL-600 Challenger or DC-3?
The CL-600 Challenger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,550 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the CL-600 Challenger or DC-3?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the CL-600 Challenger's 20.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CL-600 Challenger or DC-3?
The CL-600 Challenger is more expensive at approximately $14 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the CL-600 Challenger or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 44 years before the CL-600 Challenger which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the CL-600 Challenger or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 1,066 units of the CL-600 Challenger.