Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Cessna Citation Longitude vs Cessna Citation Sovereign
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Cessna Citation Longitude are both typically positioned in the super-midsize class, while the Cessna Citation Sovereign+ is generally considered a large-cabin midsize/super-midsize crossover with a slightly older platform. On range, the Longitude leads this group with about 3,500 nautical miles, the Challenger 3500 follows at roughly 3,400 nautical miles, and the Sovereign+ trails at around 3,200 nautical miles, making it better suited to transcontinental U.S. missions than longer intercontinental-style legs. For passenger capacity, all three commonly fly 8–9 passengers in typical executive layouts, but the Challenger 3500 and Longitude are often marketed with maximum seating around 9–12 depending on configuration, while the Sovereign+ is usually capped around 9–12 as well but most often equipped for 8–9. Overall, Longitude emphasizes range, Challenger 3500 emphasizes cabin comfort and super-midsize capability, and Sovereign+ offers solid practical range with a slightly smaller-feeling cabin experience.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Cessna Citation Longitude | Cessna Citation Sovereign+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 5.23 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 11 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Cessna Citation | Cessna Citation |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Longitude | Sovereign + |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA Certified | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 3500 | 3138 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.65 | $ 0.67 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | — | 12790 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 2,500 | $ 2,699 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Garmin G5000 | Garmin G5000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 481 | 458 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $29,965,000 | $19,730,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 11 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.7 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 9 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 25400 | 25230 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | HTF7700L | PW306D |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | 6000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 19 | ISA + 16 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 7665 | 5907 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1478 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 1700 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 73.2 | 63.5 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 68.9 | 72.4 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.7 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.4 | 5.5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.2 | 25.3 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 19.4 | 20.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 16.5 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 112 | 35 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 100 |