Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Dassault Falcon 7x vs Embraer Praetor 500 vs Gulfstream G280
In category, the Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 are typically positioned as super‑midsize business jets, balancing cabin comfort with strong runway and mission flexibility. The Embraer Praetor 500 sits slightly below them in the midsize-to-super‑midsize crossover, emphasizing efficiency and advanced avionics. The Dassault Falcon 7X is a large‑cabin, long‑range flagship-class jet, offering substantially more intercontinental capability and space than the others. On range, the Falcon 7X is the clear leader, commonly cited around 5,950 nautical miles, enabling many nonstop transoceanic city pairs. The G280 and Challenger 3500 cluster in the super‑midsize bracket, roughly about 3,600 to 3,800 nautical miles depending on conditions and configuration. The Praetor 500 is competitive for its size, typically around 3,340 nautical miles. For passenger capacity, the Falcon 7X generally accommodates about 12–16 passengers in typical layouts. The Challenger 3500 and G280 are commonly configured around 8–10, sometimes up to about 10–12 depending on seating. The Praetor 500 is often arranged for about 8–9 passengers.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Dassault Falcon 7X | Embraer Praetor 500 | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.75 | $ 6.02 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 9 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Dassault Falcon | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | 7X | Praetor 500 | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 5950 | 3340 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.65 | $ 0.86 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 16 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 33600 | — | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 7 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,850 | $ 2,779 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 516 | 466 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $53,800,000 | $16,995,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 9 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 16 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 10.2 | 9.7 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 7 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 29200 | 27110 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | 5800 | 5800 |
| Connectivity | — | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | PW307A | HTF7500E | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 7200 | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 6402 | 6540 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 76.7 | 64.6 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 86 | 70.5 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | Flat Floor | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.7 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.2 | 6 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 39.1 | 20.6 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 25.7 | 21.1 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.3 | 4.7 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 26.2 | 17.4 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 140 | 40 | 154 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1552 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 110 | — |