Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Gulfstream G400 vs Gulfstream G500
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is a super‑midsize jet, optimized for efficient missions and strong cabin comfort, with a typical range around 3,400 nautical miles and seating commonly configured for about 8–10 passengers. The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a large‑cabin jet, offering more cabin volume and generally longer legs than the 3500, with an advertised range around 4,000 nautical miles and typical seating around 10–12 passengers. The Gulfstream G400 is a large‑cabin, long‑range aircraft positioned above traditional super‑midsize offerings, with an announced range of about 4,200 nautical miles and typical seating roughly 10–12 passengers depending on layout. The Gulfstream G500 is a large‑cabin, long‑range jet with greater range and performance than the G400 class, offering an advertised range around 5,300 nautical miles and typical seating around 10–14 passengers. In general, the Challenger 3500 prioritizes efficiency in the super‑midsize category, the Challenger 650 adds cabin size and range, the G400 targets large‑cabin transcontinental capability, and the G500 extends that capability with notably longer reach and higher overall performance.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Gulfstream G400 | Gulfstream G500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | — | $ 9.00 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | G400 | G500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 4200 | 5200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | — | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 30650 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | — | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | — | $ 4,644 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 539 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | 34500000 | $47,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | — | 4 |
| Crew Rest | No | Yes | — | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | — | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | — | 12 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | — | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | — | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | — | 10.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | — | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | — | 10 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | — | 31900 |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | — | PW814GA |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | — | 10000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | — | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | — | 15144 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | — | 91.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | — | 86.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | — | 7.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | — | 6.4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | — | 41.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | — | 25.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | — | 6.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | — | 26.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | — | 230 |