Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Dassault Falcon 900lx
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is typically positioned in the super-midsize category, while the Dassault Falcon 900LX is generally considered a large-cabin, long-range trijet. In practical terms, the Falcon 900LX offers substantially greater range, commonly cited around 4,000+ nautical miles, enabling more true intercontinental missions, whereas the Challenger 3500 is usually quoted around the low-to-mid 3,000 nautical mile class, better suited to transcontinental and many transatlantic city pairs with fewer payload and weather constraints. Passenger capacity overlaps but reflects their classes. The Challenger 3500 is most often configured for about 8 to 10 passengers, optimizing comfort and productivity in a super-midsize cabin. The Falcon 900LX is commonly configured for roughly 12 to 14 passengers, with a larger cabin and more flexibility for multiple lounge or sleeping arrangements, as well as longer endurance for passengers and crew. Overall, the Challenger 3500 emphasizes efficient super-midsize performance and operating economics, while the Falcon 900LX prioritizes long-range capability and a larger cabin experience.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Dassault Falcon 900LX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 16 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Dassault Falcon |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | 900LX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4750 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.63 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 14 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 22450 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,588 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus EASy II |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 498 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $44,000,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 16 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 14 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 25300 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | TFE731-60 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 5000 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 66.4 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 70.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 7.7 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.2 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 33.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 24.8 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 23.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 127 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1264 |