Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Gulfstream G500 vs Gulfstream G800 1
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is a super‑midsize jet aimed at efficient regional and transcontinental missions, typically seating about 8–10 passengers and offering roughly 3,400 nautical miles of range. The Bombardier Challenger 650 steps up into the large‑cabin category with a roomier cabin and higher typical capacity around 10–12 passengers, with range of about 4,000 nautical miles, making it better suited to longer North America and some transatlantic pairings. Gulfstream’s G500 is also in the large‑cabin class, generally configured for about 10–13 passengers, and provides around 5,300 nautical miles of range, positioning it for longer nonstop international routes than either Challenger. The Gulfstream G800 sits at the top end as an ultra‑long‑range flagship, typically accommodating roughly 12–19 passengers depending on layout, with about 8,000 nautical miles of range, enabling many near‑global nonstop missions. Overall, the progression from Challenger 3500 to Challenger 650 to G500 to G800 generally increases cabin size, typical passenger count, and especially range.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Gulfstream G500 | Gulfstream G800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 9.00 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 12 | 15 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | G500 | G750 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In Development | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 5200 | — |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.90 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 19 | — |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 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 | — |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 516 | 982 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $47,500,000 | 71500000 |
| 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 | — |