Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Gulfstream G400
In category terms, the Bombardier Challenger 3500 is typically positioned as a super‑midsize business jet, while the Bombardier Challenger 650 and Gulfstream G400 are generally considered large‑cabin jets, with the G400 representing a newer large‑cabin design aimed at higher performance. For range, the Challenger 3500 is suited to medium-to-long missions in the super‑midsize class, commonly cited around 3,400 nautical miles. The Challenger 650 extends that capability in the large‑cabin segment, often quoted around 4,000 nautical miles. The Gulfstream G400 is designed to go farther than both, commonly published around 4,200 nautical miles, enabling more nonstop city pairs at higher cruise speeds typical of Gulfstream’s lineup. For passenger capacity, the Challenger 3500 is usually configured for about 8 to 10 passengers. The Challenger 650 commonly accommodates roughly 10 to 12 in typical executive layouts. The Gulfstream G400 is generally marketed for about 12 passengers, with flexibility depending on cabin configuration.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | — |
| Crew Rest | No | Yes | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | — |