Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Gulfstream G280 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 sit in the super‑midsize category, while the Embraer Legacy 650E is a larger, heavy‑jet class aircraft, and the Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet optimized for short and unimproved runway capability. In range, the G280 and Challenger 3500 lead this group, typically supporting roughly 3,400–3,600 nautical miles, making them strong choices for longer transcontinental missions. The Legacy 650E is also long‑legged at about 3,900 nautical miles, but it achieves that with a bigger airframe and generally higher operating footprint. The PC‑24 is shorter‑range by comparison at about 2,000 nautical miles (depending on load and conditions), aimed more at regional flexibility than maximum distance. For passenger capacity, the Legacy 650E usually carries the most in a typical executive layout (often 13, with higher‑density options), the Challenger 3500 commonly seats around 8–10, the G280 around 8–10, and the PC‑24 typically around 6–8 (with optional higher‑seat configurations), trading cabin size for access to smaller airports.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Embraer Legacy 650E | Gulfstream G280 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 8.41 | $ 6.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Legacy 650E | G280 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 3980 | 3600 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.82 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 | 10 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 22510 | 15550 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,860 | $ 3,168 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus Elite | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 458 | 481 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $26,500,000 | $24,900,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 10 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 | 10 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.4 | 9.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 21650 | 25000 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 5800 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | AE3007A2 | HTF7250G | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9020 | 7624 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1901 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 86.5 | 66.9 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 69.5 | 63 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.9 | 6.9 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6.3 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 42.4 | 25.9 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 22.2 | 21.4 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 30.3 | 17.7 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 286 | 154 | 90 |