Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Cessna Citation Longitude vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 sits in the super‑midsize category, typically carrying about 8–10 passengers with a range around 3,400 nautical miles. The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large‑cabin jet, usually configured for about 10–12 passengers and offering roughly 4,000 nautical miles of range, emphasizing cabin volume over speed. Cessna’s Citation Longitude is also super‑midsize, commonly 8–12 passengers, with range around 3,500 nautical miles. Gulfstream’s G280 is a super‑midsize with a long reach for the class, typically 8–10 passengers and about 3,600 nautical miles of range, often chosen for higher cruise performance. The Gulfstream G400 moves up into the large‑cabin category, generally accommodating about 10–12 passengers with a notably longer range in the roughly 4,000+ nautical mile class (depending on configuration and reserves), aimed at more transcontinental and some intercontinental missions. Overall, the 3500, Longitude, and G280 cluster as super‑midsize options, while the Challenger 650 and G400 step up to larger cabins and longer legs.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Cessna Citation Longitude | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 5.23 | $ 6.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Cessna Citation | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | Longitude | G280 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA Certified | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 3500 | 3600 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.65 | $ 0.82 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | — | 15550 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | $ 2,500 | $ 3,168 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Garmin G5000 | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 481 | 481 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $29,965,000 | $24,900,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Crew Rest | No | Yes | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.7 | 9.2 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | 25400 | 25000 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 5800 | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7700L | HTF7250G | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 19 | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | 7665 | 7624 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 1478 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | 73.2 | 66.9 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | 68.9 | 63 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | 6.4 | 6.9 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | 25.2 | 25.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | 19.4 | 21.4 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | 4.1 | 5.4 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | 16.5 | 17.7 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 112 | 154 | — |