Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Legacy 500 vs Embraer Praetor 500
The Bombardier Challenger 3500, Embraer Legacy 500, and Embraer Praetor 500 all sit in the super-midsize business jet category, with the Challenger 3500 often positioned at the upper end of the segment due to its cabin comfort and typical mission profile. In range, the Praetor 500 leads the group at roughly 3,340 nautical miles, giving it the strongest long-leg capability for transcontinental missions. The Challenger 3500 follows at about 3,400 nautical miles, depending on configuration and conditions, while the Legacy 500 is shorter-legged at roughly 3,125 nautical miles. Passenger capacity is broadly similar: all commonly seat around eight to ten passengers in typical executive layouts, with maximum certified seating generally higher when configured for high density. In practice, the Challenger 3500 and Praetor 500 are most often flown with eight or nine passengers to balance comfort and baggage, while the Legacy 500 typically targets similar loads but with slightly less range flexibility.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Embraer Legacy 500 | Embraer Praetor 500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 6.74 | $ 6.02 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 9 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Legacy 500 | Praetor 500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 3153 | 3340 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.86 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 14837 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 7 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,141 | $ 2,779 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 481 | 466 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $20,000,000 | $16,995,000 |
| 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 | 10 | 9 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.7 | 9.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 9 | 7 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 27140 | 27110 |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | Gogo AVANCE L5 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6000 | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | HTF7500E | HTF7500E |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 18 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 7036 | 6540 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1441 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 1963 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.1 | 64.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 66.5 | 70.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.8 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 24.1 | 20.6 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 21.2 | 21.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 21.3 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 45 | 40 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 110 | 110 |