The Challenger 350 will become the time-to-climb leader of the entire Bombardier business jet line once it enters service next year, Bombardier Challenger v-p and general manager Stephane Lablanc told a gathering of reporters during a technical briefing here yesterday. Bombardier expects the super midsize to jet to reach 41,000 feet in 18 minutes, surpassing the current leader, the Learjet 60.

Now 30 percent through the flight test program, the Challenger 350 has flown some 200 hours validating performance specifications related to a new set of winglets that effectively extend the wingspan of its Challenger 300 cousin by nine feet. The longer and stronger wing allows for an increase in mtow of 1,750 pounds over the Challenger 300 and about 750 more pounds of fuel.

Other performance improvements come from the airplane’s new Honeywell HTF7350 engines, which produce 500 pounds more thrust than the HTF7000 on the Challenger 300 while burning no more fuel.

Following the firm launch order by NetJets for 75 Challenger 350s announced here Monday, Bombardier began sales efforts involving other potential customers. Yesterday, however, Leblanc declined to comment on any further orders, citing company policy.