Bombardier Aerospace’s super-midsize Continental business jet has joined the Challenger family of aircraft. It has been renamed the Bombardier Challenger 300.

The first Challenger successfully completed its maiden flight in August 2001, before beginning its test flight programme. Since then, three other aircraft have joined the programme, which has now accumulated over 925 test flight hours during some 400 flights.

Aircraft in-flight evaluation by regulatory authorities is underway and water-ingesting testing has

been completed.

To facilitate entry into service, two complete interiors, along with all customer options have been installed on various test flight aircraft. Bombardier says that development testing and daily use of these interiors and systems will lead to higher levels of maturity.

Bombardier reports that it has also been granted permission by the US Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a supplemental type certification for the aircraft interior in parallel with basic certification.

Said Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Jet: “It fits the family perfectly and, once in service, it will undoubtedly help uphold the Bombardier Challenger’s stellar reputation for reliability, durability and proven performance.”