Challenger 650s for Australian ISR?

Grey Havoc

Grey Havoc

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It is unclear if they are being leased out to the RAAF or another government agency, though on reflection, the wording makes it seem more like the company itself will providing ISR coverage under contract/s?:
An Australia-based aircraft lessor has placed an order for two Bombardier Challenger 650s at the Avalon Australian International Airshow.


Bombardier announced on March 25, 2025, that an agreement has been signed with Principle Finance for the Challenger 350s, with the aircraft set to be deployed for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in Australia.


Principle Finance, which specializes in leasing special mission aircraft, is scheduled to take delivery of the new aircraft during 2026.
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https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/bombardier-challenger-australia
Interesting timing, what with the RAAF's MC-55A procurement.
 
The Challenger 650 is a very odd choice in a world overflowing with low hour top tier business jets like Gulfstreams and Bombardier's own Global Express. For a very marginal savings in terms of operating costs, you lose a lot of range, payload and loitering time. Maybe a leasing company like NetJets needs a mid-range business jet but I can't see the appeal for military ISR.
 
TinWing said:
The Challenger 650 is a very odd choice in a world overflowing with low hour top tier business jets like Gulfstreams and Bombardier's own Global Express. For a very marginal savings in terms of operating costs, you lose a lot of range, payload and loitering time. Maybe a leasing company like NetJets needs a mid-range business jet but I can't see the appeal for military ISR.
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Marginal? Gulfstream G650 hourly operating costs can be 2-to-3 times higher than those of a Challenger 650.

I'm guessing that Principle Finance has run the numbers.
 

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