Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is a super‑midsize business jet aimed at efficient point‑to‑point missions, typically offering transcontinental capability. It generally carries about 8–10 passengers in a comfortable executive layout, with a published range around 3,400 nautical miles, making it well suited to longer domestic or some intercontinental city pairs with fewer fuel stops. The Bombardier Challenger 650 is a larger, heavy‑jet category aircraft designed for more cabin space and comfort on longer trips. It commonly seats about 10–12 passengers, and its range is typically quoted around 4,000 nautical miles, giving it more flexibility for longer nonstop missions and better comfort for full‑cabin loads. The Pilatus PC‑24 is best described as a “super versatile” light jet, known for operating from shorter runways and more rugged or regional airports. It usually accommodates about 6–8 passengers in executive configurations, with a range around 2,000 nautical miles, prioritizing access and flexibility over maximum nonstop distance.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.16 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Bombardier | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Challenger 650 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4085 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 21050 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,365 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 470 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $32,400,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | Yes | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 11 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23000 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | CF34-3B MTO | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9220 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.4 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 64.4 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.6 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 20.7 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.9 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 15.4 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 90 |