Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Praetor 600
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Praetor 600 sit in the “super-midsize” business jet category, while the Bombardier Challenger 650 is a “large-cabin” jet with a wider, longer cabin and typically more luggage volume and comfort for longer missions. In range, the Praetor 600 is generally the longest-legged of the three at about 4,000 nautical miles, edging the Challenger 650 at roughly 4,000 nautical miles as well, while the Challenger 3500 is shorter-range at around 3,400 nautical miles. Passenger capacity is similar on paper but differs in typical use: the Challenger 3500 is commonly configured for about 8–10 passengers, the Praetor 600 for about 8–12, and the larger-cabin Challenger 650 often for about 9–12, with some layouts accommodating more. Overall, choose the Challenger 3500 for efficient super-midsize missions, the Praetor 600 for maximum range in the super-midsize class, and the Challenger 650 for a true large-cabin experience with comparable long-range capability.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Praetor 600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 6.74 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | Praetor 600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 4018 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.84 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | $ 3,141 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 542 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $20,995,000 |
| 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 | 12 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | 27140 |
| Connectivity | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | 7528 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 1963 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | 68.1 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | 70.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | 6.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | 24.1 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | 21 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | 21.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 45 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 110 |