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Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Gulfstream G280

The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 sit in the super‑midsize category, while the Embraer Legacy 650E is typically classed as a large‑cabin business jet. For range, the G280 generally leads this group at roughly 3,600 nautical miles, the Challenger 3500 follows at about 3,400 nautical miles, and the Legacy 650E is close behind at around 3,300–3,400 nautical miles, depending on conditions and configuration. In passenger capacity, the Legacy 650E is the clear outlier because of its larger cabin: it commonly seats 13, with some layouts accommodating up to about 14. The Challenger 3500 and G280 are usually configured for about 8–10 passengers, though both can be arranged to carry more in higher‑density layouts. Overall, choose the Legacy 650E if cabin size and headcount matter most, the G280 if you prioritize longest super‑midsize range, and the Challenger 3500 for a strong balance of range and modern super‑midsize comfort.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Embraer Legacy 650EGulfstream G280
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 8.41$ 6.57
Min Crew222
Total Seats101410
ManufacturerBombardierEmbraerGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500Legacy 650EG280
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)340039803600
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.70$ 0.82
Max Cabin Seats101910
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)159502251015550
Standard Cabin Seats8128
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 3,860$ 3,168
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedHoneywell Primus EliteGulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533458481
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$26,500,000$24,900,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew222
Crew RestNoNoNo
Jump SeatYesNoNo
Total Seats101410
Galley LocationFWDFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats101910
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.88.49.2
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalleyGalley
Standard Cabin Seats8128
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)233382165025000
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)5800
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelHTF73500AE3007A2HTF7250G
TBO (hrs)On-ConditionOn-ConditionOn-Condition
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 15ISA + 17
Thrust (lbs)732390207624
No. of Engines222
Fuel Burn (lbph)1901
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.786.566.9
Wingspan (ft)6969.563
Aisle Step (ft)Flat FloorFlat Floor0.3
Cabin Width (ft)7.26.96.9
Cabin Height (ft)666.3
Cabin Length (ft)25.242.425.9
Overall Height (ft)2022.221.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.15.25.4
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.630.317.7
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)106286154