The Bombardier Model CL.600-2B16 (or CL-604) Challenger is a twin-engine executive jet aircraft for 2 crewmembers and up to 19 passengers. Development of the CL-600 Challenger family started in 1974, when Bill Lear designed the LearStar 600, a 12-place business jet. Canadair bought the manufacturing rights in 1976, and renamed the design Canadair CL-600 Challenger. The first prototype of the airplane flew on 8 November 1978. The second and third prototypes flew in March and July 1979. On 3 April 1980, a test flight with the first prototype above the Mojave Desert ended in a disaster, with the airplane crashing due to a deep stall. In August 1980, certification was granted with temporary restrictions. Deliveries of the CL-600, powered by two Lycoming ALF-502L turbofans started in 1981. The design was developed further and on 10 April 1982 the Challenger 601, a refined version with more powerful General Electric CF-34 engines and winglets, made its maiden flight. In 1983, the CL-601 replaced the CL-600 in production. In 1986 Bombardier Aerospace bought Canadair. The Bombardier Challenger became a family of business jets. A number of models entered production including in 1989 the CL-600-2B16 or Challenger 604 powered by CF-34-3B engines. First flight with this engines was on 17 March 1995, with Transport Canada certification granted that September. First delivery was in January 1996.

On 12 February 2007, Danish Air Force Bombardier Model CL.600-2B15 Challenger C-172 was photographed at Groningen Airport Eelde, the Netherlands. Challenger 604 C-172 is operated by Eskadrille 721, the transportwing of the Danish Air Force, based at Alborg, Danmark.

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