The Bombardier CRJ (Canadair Regional Jet) is a family of regional jet airliners, derived from the Canadair Challenger business jet. It was a pioneering aircraft in the regional jet market, allowing airlines to serve thinner routes with jet speeds and comfort, which was previously only possible with larger, less efficient mainline aircraft or slower turboprops.
Key characteristics of the CRJ include:
- Regional Jet: Designed specifically for regional routes, typically carrying between 50 and 100 passengers.
- Twin-Engine: It is powered by two turbofan engines mounted on the rear fuselage (similar to the DC-9/MD-80 family).
- Narrow-Body: Features a single-aisle cabin.
- T-tail: The horizontal stabilizer is mounted on top of the vertical stabilizer, a common design choice for rear-engined aircraft.
- Variants: The CRJ family includes several distinct series:
- CRJ100/200: The original, smaller versions, typically seating 50 passengers. These were highly successful in opening up new regional markets.
- CRJ700: A stretched variant, seating around 70 passengers.
- CRJ900: A further stretched version, seating around 90 passengers.
- CRJ1000: The largest variant, seating around 100 passengers.
- Commonality: The different CRJ variants share a high degree of commonality in terms of systems and pilot ratings, which is beneficial for airlines operating multiple types.
The CRJ series transformed regional air travel, bringing jet service to countless smaller communities and playing a vital role in the hub-and-spoke networks of major airlines. While production has ceased under Bombardier, the program was acquired by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (now operating as De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited for CRJ parts and support).
