Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Praetor 600 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Praetor 600 sit in the super‑midsize category, while the Gulfstream G280 is also super‑midsize and the Gulfstream G400 moves up into the large‑cabin/long‑range class. In range, the Challenger 3500 is typically around 3,400 nautical miles, the Praetor 600 about 4,000 nautical miles, and the G280 about 3,600 nautical miles, making the Praetor 600 the longest‑legged of the super‑midsize trio. The G400 is designed for a substantially longer mission profile at roughly 4,200 nautical miles, reflecting its larger‑cabin positioning. For passenger capacity, all can be configured in multiple layouts, but typical seating is about 8–10 passengers for the Challenger 3500, around 8–12 for the Praetor 600, and about 8–10 for the G280. The G400 generally accommodates about 10–12 passengers in typical arrangements, with more cabin volume and comfort for longer flights.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Embraer Praetor 600 | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 6.74 | $ 6.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Praetor 600 | G280 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4018 | 3600 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.84 | $ 0.82 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | — | 15550 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,141 | $ 3,168 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 542 | 481 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $20,995,000 | $24,900,000 | 34500000 |
| 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 | 10 | 10 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.7 | 9.2 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 27140 | 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 | 7528 | 7624 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 1963 | — | — |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.1 | 66.9 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 70.5 | 63 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | 0.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.8 | 6.9 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 24.1 | 25.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 21 | 21.4 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 4.7 | 5.4 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 21.3 | 17.7 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 45 | 154 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 110 | — | — |