Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Dassault Falcon 2000lxs vs Gulfstream G280
The Bombardier Challenger 3500, Dassault Falcon 2000LXS, and Gulfstream G280 all sit in the super‑midsize to large‑cabin business jet space, but they emphasize different missions. The Challenger 3500 is a super‑midsize jet optimized for transcontinental flying, with a typical range around 3,400 nautical miles and a common seating layout for about 8–10 passengers. The Gulfstream G280 is also a super‑midsize, generally offering slightly more range at roughly 3,600 nautical miles, and typically carries about 8–10 passengers, often favoring longer city pairs for its class. The Falcon 2000LXS steps up into the large‑cabin category with a wider, taller cabin and usually seats about 8–10 passengers in executive configurations (with higher maximum density options), while delivering a range in the same general band at about 4,000 nautical miles. In short, the G280 tends to lead on range among super‑midsize peers, the Challenger 3500 emphasizes cabin comfort and refinement in the segment, and the Falcon 2000LXS offers the biggest cabin feel and a strong long‑range large‑cabin profile.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Dassault Falcon 2000LXS | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 6.38 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Dassault Falcon | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | 2000LXS | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4155 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.80 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 18250 | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,073 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 490 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $35,100,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.6 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 25300 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | PW308C | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 7000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 7000 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 66.4 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 70.2 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.7 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.2 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 26.2 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 23.2 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.3 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 17.1 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 131 | 154 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1024 | — |