Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Cj3 vs Cessna Citation Cj4
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is a super‑midsize business jet, positioned above the Cessna Citation CJ3+ and CJ4, which are both light jets (with the CJ4 at the top end of the light‑jet class). In range, the Challenger 3500 typically offers the longest legs at about 3,400 nautical miles, making it better suited to longer nonstop city pairs than either Citation. The Citation CJ4 generally comes next at roughly 2,165 nautical miles, while the Citation CJ3+ is shorter‑legged at about 2,040 nautical miles. Passenger capacity follows a similar pattern: the Challenger 3500 is commonly configured for around 8 to 10 passengers with a larger cabin and more comfort for longer flights. The CJ4 usually seats about 8 to 10 in many layouts but in a more compact cabin than the Challenger, while the CJ3+ is typically arranged for about 6 to 9 passengers, emphasizing efficient light‑jet operation over cabin volume.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Cessna Citation CJ3+ | Cessna Citation CJ4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 4.05 | $ 4.37 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | CJ3+ | CJ4 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 1898 | 2170 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 5530 | 6914 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 1,680 | $ 1,970 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 415 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $9,915,000 | $11,290,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.9 | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 23586 | 24005 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | FJ44-3A | FJ44-4A |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 11 | ISA + 11 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 2820 | 3621 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 624 | 757 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 703 | 870 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 51.2 | 53.4 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 53 | 50 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 15.7 | 17.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 15.2 | 15.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 12.2 | 14.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | — | 7 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 65 | 70 |