Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Phenom 300e vs Pilatus Pc 24
By category, the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Phenom 300E are typically grouped as super‑midsize and light jets respectively, while the Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large‑cabin business jet; the Pilatus PC‑24 is often described as a “super versatile” light jet optimized for short and unimproved runways. On range, the Challenger 650 leads at roughly 4,000 nautical miles, enabling longer nonstop missions than the others. The Challenger 3500 sits in the middle at about 3,400 nautical miles, offering strong transcontinental capability. The Phenom 300E and PC‑24 are shorter‑range by comparison, generally around 2,000–2,400 nautical miles depending on configuration and reserves. For passenger capacity, the Challenger 650 typically carries about 10–12 passengers in a spacious cabin, and the Challenger 3500 commonly seats around 8–10. The PC‑24 is usually configured for about 6–8 passengers but can be arranged for more in high‑density layouts. The Phenom 300E is commonly set up for about 6–8 passengers, emphasizing efficiency and speed in the light‑jet segment.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Phenom 300E | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 3.88 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Embraer | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | Phenom 300E | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 2,010 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.55 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 6914 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | $ 1,758 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Prodigy Touch (G3000) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 464 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $9,650,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 9 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.4 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | 25560 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | Canada PW535E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | 3360 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 757 | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | 51.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | 52.16 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | 17.2 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | 16.75 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | 3.6 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | 14.8 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 10 | 90 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 74 | — |