Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Embraer Praetor 500
By category, the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Praetor 500 sit in the super-midsize class, while the Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large-cabin business jet, and the Embraer Phenom 300E is a light jet. On range, the Challenger 650 is the longest-legged of the four at roughly 4,000 nautical miles, suited to longer transcontinental and some transatlantic missions depending on routing and conditions. The Challenger 3500 and Praetor 500 are closer peers, typically around the 3,300–3,400 nautical mile range, covering most North America and many longer city pairs with fewer stops. The Phenom 300E is shorter-range at about 2,000–2,200 nautical miles, optimized for regional and shorter transcontinental missions. On passenger capacity, the Challenger 650 generally carries the most, commonly configured for about 9–12 passengers (and sometimes more depending on layout). The Challenger 3500 and Praetor 500 are typically configured around 8–10 passengers. The Phenom 300E usually seats about 6–8 passengers, with a smaller cabin overall.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 3.88 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Embraer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | Phenom 300E | Praetor 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 2,010 | 3340 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 6914 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 6 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | $ 1,758 | $ 2,779 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 464 | 466 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $9,650,000 | $16,995,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 9 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.4 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | 25560 | 27110 |
| Connectivity | — | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | Canada PW535E1 | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | 3360 | 6540 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 757 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | 51.2 | 64.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | 52.16 | 70.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | 5.1 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 4.9 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | 17.2 | 20.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | 16.75 | 21.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | 3.6 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | 14.8 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 10 | 40 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 74 | 110 |