N87

The airframe bearing tail number N87 is a Canadair-built business jet, serial number 5190, completed in 1995 and identified as a Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604. The airframe is owned by the FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, a government operator based in Oklahoma City, OK, US, and is registered in the US. As a government-owned Challenger 604, its administrative and operational history centers on FAA custody and use; any transfers of ownership or registry actions would be recorded under Federal Aviation Administration management in Oklahoma City.

The airframe typically carries a typical 9–12‑place executive layout while being certificated for up to 19 seats, and it is commonly configured for roughly 10–12 passengers on routine missions. Avionics onboard are fitted with a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 suite, and common avionics modernization paths for this configuration include additions such as FANS 1/A and ADS‑B Out, which may be applied to FAA-operated examples to meet modern surveillance and communication mandates. Operational profiles for this Challenger 604 under FAA ownership would likely emphasize medium- to long-range executive transport and departmental travel within the aircraft’s 3,718 nm range and 41,000 ft ceiling, with cruise speeds near 459 kts. Maintenance considerations for this specific airframe revolve around the twin CF34-3B engines and aging platform serviceability typical of mid-1990s production models.

The Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 family occupies a mid-size business jet niche, offering transcontinental range and a pressurized, comfortable cabin for corporate or government transport roles. In the marketplace, the Challenger 604 competes with other late‑1990s mid‑size long‑range business jets, attracting buyers and operators seeking robust payload-range performance and established support networks. For government operators like the FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, considerations include avionics upgrades such as FANS 1/A and ADS‑B Out, and lifecycle maintenance of the airframe and its CF34-3B engines when evaluating continued service or resale.