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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.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Cessna Citation CJ3+Cessna Citation CJ4
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 4.05$ 4.37
Min Crew211
Total Seats1099
ManufacturerBombardierCessna CitationCessna Citation
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500CJ3+CJ4
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)340018982170
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.58$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats1088
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)1595055306914
Standard Cabin Seats877
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 1,680$ 1,970
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedGarmin G3000Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533415440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$9,915,000$11,290,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew211
Crew RestNoNoNo
Jump SeatYesNoNo
Total Seats1099
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats1088
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.88.99
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats877
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)233382358624005
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelHTF73500FJ44-3AFJ44-4A
TBO (hrs)On-Condition50005000
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 11ISA + 11
Thrust (lbs)732328203621
No. of Engines222
Fuel Burn (lbph)624757
Fuel Capacity (gal)703870
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.751.253.4
Wingspan (ft)695350
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor0.40.4
Cabin Width (ft)7.24.84.8
Cabin Height (ft)64.84.8
Cabin Length (ft)25.215.717.2
Overall Height (ft)2015.215.5
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.13.13.1
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.612.214.8
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1067
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)6570