Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Embraer Praetor 600 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 3500, Embraer Praetor 600, and Gulfstream G280 are typically positioned in the super-midsize category, while the Bombardier Challenger 650 and Gulfstream G400 sit in the large-cabin segment. For range, the Challenger 3500 and Praetor 600 are broadly comparable super-midsize transcontinental jets at roughly the mid‑3,000‑nm class, whereas the G280 generally leads that group with around 3,600 nm capability. Stepping up, the Challenger 650 offers a longer large-cabin reach at about 4,000 nm. The Gulfstream G400 is the range standout here, designed for true intercontinental missions at roughly 4,200 nm. Passenger capacity follows cabin class more than range: the super-midsize trio (Challenger 3500, Praetor 600, G280) is commonly configured for about 8–10 passengers, with maximum layouts generally in the low to mid-teens. The large-cabin Challenger 650 typically seats around 10–12 in comfort, with higher maximums possible, while the G400 is generally planned around 12 passengers with higher-density options.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Embraer Praetor 600 | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 6.74 | $ 6.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | Praetor 600 | G280 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 4018 | 3600 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.82 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | — | 15550 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | $ 3,141 | $ 3,168 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 542 | 481 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $20,995,000 | $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 | 27140 | 25000 | — |
| Connectivity | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 | 5800 | — |
| Engine | |||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7500E | HTF7250G | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | 7528 | 7624 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 1963 | — | — |
| Dimensions | |||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | 68.1 | 66.9 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | 70.5 | 63 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | 6.8 | 6.9 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | 24.1 | 25.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | 21 | 21.4 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | 4.7 | 5.4 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | 21.3 | 17.7 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 45 | 154 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 110 | — | — |