Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Legacy 650e vs Gulfstream G650er
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is best categorized as a super-midsize business jet, optimized for efficient medium-to-long missions. It typically offers a range around 3,400 nautical miles and is commonly configured for about 8 to 10 passengers, balancing comfort with operating economics. The Embraer Legacy 650E sits in the large-cabin category, emphasizing cabin volume and baggage capacity over outright range. It is generally quoted at roughly 3,900 nautical miles and is often arranged for about 10 to 13 passengers, making it well suited to longer regional or transcontinental routes with more people and more luggage. The Gulfstream G650ER is an ultra-long-range flagship jet, built for nonstop intercontinental flying at high speed with a very large, premium cabin. Its range is about 7,500 nautical miles and typical passenger loads run around 12 to 16, depending on layout, with significantly more space, amenities, and global city-pair capability than the other two.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Embraer Legacy 650E | Gulfstream G650ER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 8.41 | $ 9.39 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 14 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Legacy 650E | G650ER |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 3980 | 7500 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.70 | $ 0.78 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 22510 | 49500 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,860 | $ 4,844 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus Elite | Gulfstream PlaneView II (Primus Epic) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 458 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $26,500,000 | $60,000,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | Yes |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 14 | 14 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 8.4 | 10.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 21650 | 31900 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | AE3007A2 | BR725 A1-12 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 9020 | 16900 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 1901 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 86.5 | 99.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 69.5 | 99.6 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.9 | 8.2 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 42.4 | 46.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 22.2 | 25.7 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 5.2 | 6.7 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 30.3 | 32.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 286 | 235 |