Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Praetor 500 vs Gulfstream G280
All three are super-midsize business jets aimed at similar missions, but they emphasize different strengths. The Bombardier Challenger 3500 sits firmly in the super-midsize category and is typically configured for about eight to ten passengers, with a long range in the roughly 3,000–3,400 nautical mile class, making it well suited to transcontinental U.S. flying and many North Atlantic edge routes with favorable conditions. The Embraer Praetor 500 is also a super-midsize jet, generally seating eight to nine passengers, and offers a similar range band (around the low‑to‑mid 3,000 nautical miles), often marketed for efficient long legs with strong cabin comfort for its size. The Gulfstream G280 is likewise a super-midsize aircraft, usually arranged for eight to ten passengers, and typically leads this trio on range at about 3,600 nautical miles, giving it more flexibility for longer city pairs and reserves. In short, all carry similar passenger loads, while the G280 tends to provide the longest reach.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Embraer Praetor 500 | Gulfstream G280 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 6.02 | $ 6.57 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Praetor 500 | G280 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 3340 | 3600 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.86 | $ 0.82 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | — | 15550 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 2,779 | $ 3,168 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 466 | 481 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $16,995,000 | $24,900,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.7 | 9.2 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 27110 | 25000 |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 | 5800 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | HTF7500E | HTF7250G |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 | ISA + 17 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 6540 | 7624 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 64.6 | 66.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 70.5 | 63 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 20.6 | 25.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 21.1 | 21.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 4.7 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 17.4 | 17.7 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 40 | 154 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 110 | — |