Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Gulfstream G280
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is typically positioned in the super-midsize category, offering a transcontinental-style mission profile with a range around 3,400 nautical miles and a typical passenger load of about 8 to 10. The Gulfstream G280 is also a super-midsize jet, generally comparable in cabin class but usually emphasizing longer legs, with a range around 3,600 nautical miles and a typical capacity of about 8 to 10 passengers. The Bombardier Challenger 650 sits in the large-cabin category, trading some range for a bigger, wider cabin and higher payload flexibility; it is commonly cited around 4,000 nautical miles of range and typically carries about 10 to 12 passengers (with higher maximum seating possible depending on configuration). In practical terms, the Challenger 3500 and G280 compete most directly on category and capacity, with the G280 tending to edge range, while the Challenger 650 differentiates itself by offering a noticeably more spacious large-cabin experience and often more seating flexibility.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $24,900,000 |
| 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 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 154 |