Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Dassault Falcon 2000s vs Gulfstream G280
The Bombardier Challenger 3500, Dassault Falcon 2000S, and Gulfstream G280 all sit in the super‑midsize to large‑cabin business jet spectrum, but they emphasize different strengths. The Challenger 3500 is typically positioned as a super‑midsize jet, balancing cabin comfort and operating economics with a range around 3,400 nautical miles and a typical passenger load of about eight to ten, with higher maximum seating possible depending on layout. The Falcon 2000S is generally considered a large‑cabin jet with more cabin volume, optimized for short to mid intercontinental missions; it offers roughly 3,350 nautical miles of range and commonly carries eight to ten passengers in executive configurations. The Gulfstream G280 is a super‑midsize jet that tends to lead this group on published range, at about 3,600 nautical miles, and it usually seats eight to ten passengers as well. In practice, the G280 is often chosen for longer nonstop city pairs, the Challenger 3500 for an especially refined super‑midsize cabin experience, and the Falcon 2000S when a larger‑cabin feel is the priority.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Dassault Falcon 2000S | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 6.63 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Dassault Falcon | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | 2000S | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 3540 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.83 | $ 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 | $ 3,150 | $ 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 | $ 26,000,000 | $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 | 134 | 154 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1024 | — |