Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Dassault Falcon 900lx vs Gulfstream G280
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 are typically grouped as super‑midsize business jets, while the Dassault Falcon 900LX is generally considered a larger, long‑range heavy jet. In range, the Falcon 900LX leads by a wide margin, offering intercontinental capability around 4,750 nm, suited to longer missions and more routing flexibility. The G280 follows with roughly 3,600–3,800 nm class range, enabling many transatlantic or deep North America missions depending on payload and winds. The Challenger 3500 is close behind at about 3,400 nm, optimized for high‑utilization missions in the super‑midsize segment. For passenger capacity, the Falcon 900LX commonly accommodates about 12–14 passengers in typical executive layouts, with more cabin volume for comfort on long legs. The Challenger 3500 is usually configured for around 8–10 passengers, emphasizing a comfortable cabin and strong short‑to‑medium/long mission flexibility. The G280 typically seats about 8–10 as well, pairing a long-legged super‑midsize range profile with a slightly different cabin cross‑section and performance focus.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Dassault Falcon 900LX | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 7.57 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 16 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Dassault Falcon | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | 900LX | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4750 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.63 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 14 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 22450 | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,588 | $ 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 | 498 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $44,000,000 | $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 | 16 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 14 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.6 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 25300 | 25000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | TFE731-60 | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 5000 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 66.4 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 70.2 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 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 | 33.2 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 24.8 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 6.3 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 23.5 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 127 | 154 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1264 | — |