Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Cessna Citation Xls
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is a super‑midsize business jet, positioned between light/medium jets and large‑cabin aircraft. It typically offers transcontinental-capable range of about 3,400 nautical miles and is commonly configured for around 8 to 10 passengers, with a spacious cabin for its class. The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large‑cabin business jet, emphasizing cabin volume and comfort; it generally provides longer range at roughly 4,000 nautical miles and usually seats about 10 to 12 passengers (with higher-density layouts possible). The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize jet, optimized for efficient regional and mid-length missions; it has a shorter range, roughly 2,100 nautical miles, and is typically arranged for about 7 to 9 passengers. In general, the XLS+ is the most economical and airport-flexible option but with the least range and cabin space, the Challenger 3500 balances range and modern super‑midsize comfort, and the Challenger 650 delivers the most cabin room and longest legs among the three.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Cessna Citation XLS+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 5.34 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | XLS+ |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 1906 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 7540 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | $ 2,303 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 430 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $15,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | Yes | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | 25230 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | PW545C |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 10 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | 4119 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | 52.5 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | 56.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | 18.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | 17.2 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | 14.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 10 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 80 |