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Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400

The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 sit in the super‑midsize category, while the Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large‑cabin jet and the Gulfstream G400 is a newer large‑cabin/long‑range model. In range, the Challenger 3500 and G280 are broadly comparable at roughly mid‑to‑high‑3,000‑nautical‑mile capability, suited to many transcontinental missions but generally not true intercontinental flying with full payload. The Challenger 650 typically stretches farther, around the low‑4,000‑nautical‑mile class, enabling more coast‑to‑coast plus or select North Atlantic city pairs with favorable conditions. The Gulfstream G400 is designed for a higher long‑range tier, around the mid‑4,000‑nautical‑mile class, providing more consistent intercity reach and reserves. For passenger capacity, all can be configured for about 8–10 travelers in typical layouts; the larger‑cabin Challenger 650 and G400 more often support 10–12 in greater comfort and with more baggage volume, while the Challenger 3500 and G280 commonly emphasize 8–10 with efficient cabin footprints.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Bombardier Challenger 650Gulfstream G280Gulfstream G400
Summary
Cockpit222—
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 7.16$ 6.57—
Min Crew2224
Total Seats10111012
ManufacturerBombardierBombardierGulfstreamGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500Challenger 650G280G400
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA—
Max Range (nm)3400408536004200
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.80$ 0.82—
Max Cabin Seats10121019
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified—
Useful Load (lbs)15950210501555030650
Standard Cabin Seats898—
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 3,365$ 3,168—
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedRockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedGulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533470481539
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$32,400,000$24,900,00034500000
Cabin
Cockpit222—
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing2 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing—
Min Crew222—
Crew RestNoYesNo—
Jump SeatYesYesNo—
Total Seats101110—
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD—
Max Cabin Seats101210—
Lavatory LocationAFTFWD / AFTAFT—
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.88.89.2—
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley—
Standard Cabin Seats898—
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)233382300025000—
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)——5800—
Engine
FADECYesYesYes—
ModelHTF73500CF34-3B MTOHTF7250G—
TBO (hrs)On-ConditionOn-ConditionOn-Condition—
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 15ISA + 17—
Thrust (lbs)732392207624—
No. of Engines222—
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.768.466.9—
Wingspan (ft)6964.463—
Aisle Step (ft)Flat FloorFlat Floor0.3—
Cabin Width (ft)7.27.96.9—
Cabin Height (ft)666.3—
Cabin Length (ft)25.225.625.9—
Overall Height (ft)2020.721.4—
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.16.95.4—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.615.417.7—
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)106112154—