Bombardier Challenger 350 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Praetor 500
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Praetor 500 sit in the super‑midsize category, while the Bombardier Challenger 650 is a larger heavy‑jet offering with a notably roomier cabin. In range terms, the Praetor 500 typically leads this trio at about 3,300 nautical miles, giving it an advantage for longer nonstop city pairs within the super‑midsize class. The Challenger 3500 is close behind at roughly 3,200 nautical miles, often comparable in real-world missions, while the heavier Challenger 650 is generally around 4,000 nautical miles, positioning it for longer transcontinental and some transatlantic missions depending on conditions. For passenger capacity, all three are commonly configured for around eight to ten passengers, but the Challenger 650 more often seats ten to twelve thanks to its larger cabin volume. The Challenger 3500 and Praetor 500 most commonly seat eight to nine in executive layouts, with maximums higher on paper but less typical for comfort-focused operations.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | Praetor 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 3340 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 2,779 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 466 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $16,995,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 27110 |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 6540 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 64.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 70.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 20.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 21.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 40 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 110 |