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.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 6.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | G280 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 3600 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.82 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 15550 | 30650 |
| 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) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 481 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $24,900,000 | 34500000 |
| 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 | — |