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CL-600 Challenger vs 500 Citation I

CL-600 Challenger vs 500 Citation I at a glance — top speed 882 vs 665 km/h, range 7,400 vs 2,459 km, max takeoff weight 19,550 vs 5,375 kg, built 1,066 vs 689 units.

Bombardier CL-600 Challenger military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 CL-600 Challenger
Cessna 500 Citation I military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 500 Citation I
Specifications
CL-600 Challenger 500 Citation I
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Bombardier Cessna
First flight 8 November 1978 15 September 1969
Year introduced 1980 1971
Number produced 1066 units 689 units
Average unit price $14 million $900K
Wing area 48.3 m² 25.9 m²
Wingspan 19.6 m 14.4 m
Height 6.3 m 4.4 m
Length 20.9 m 13.3 m
Maximum speed 882 km/h 665 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 2,459 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 12,497 m
Max. takeoff weight 19,550 kg 5,375 kg
Empty weight 9,292 kg 3,008 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,146 kgf 2 x 998 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the CL-600 Challenger or 500 Citation I?
The CL-600 Challenger is faster with a maximum speed of 882 km/h compared to the 500 Citation I's 665 km/h, a difference of 217 km/h.
Which has longer range, the CL-600 Challenger or 500 Citation I?
The CL-600 Challenger has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the 500 Citation I's 2,459 km.
Which can fly higher, the CL-600 Challenger or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the CL-600 Challenger's 12,497 meters (41,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the CL-600 Challenger or 500 Citation I?
The CL-600 Challenger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,550 kg compared to the 500 Citation I's 5,375 kg.
Which is larger, the CL-600 Challenger or 500 Citation I?
The CL-600 Challenger is longer at 20.9 meters compared to the 500 Citation I's 13.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the CL-600 Challenger or 500 Citation I?
The CL-600 Challenger is more expensive at approximately $14 million per unit compared to the 500 Citation I at $0.9 million.
Which entered service first, the CL-600 Challenger or 500 Citation I?
The 500 Citation I entered service first in 1971, 9 years before the CL-600 Challenger which entered service in 1980.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the CL-600 Challenger or 500 Citation I?
The CL-600 Challenger has been produced in greater numbers with 1,066 units compared to 689 units of the 500 Citation I.