Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Embraer Praetor 600 vs Gulfstream G400
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Embraer Praetor 600 sit in the super‑midsize category, while the Gulfstream G400 is a larger, long‑range business jet positioned above them. In range terms, the Challenger 3500 is typically quoted around 3,400 nautical miles, the Praetor 600 around 4,000 nautical miles, and the G400 around 4,200 nautical miles, giving the Gulfstream and the Embraer more flexibility for longer nonstop city pairs than the Challenger. Passenger capacity overlaps but scales with cabin class: the Challenger 3500 is commonly configured for about 8 to 9 passengers (with maximums around 10), the Praetor 600 typically seats about 8 to 12, and the G400 is usually arranged for roughly 10 to 12 passengers with higher maximums depending on layout. Overall, the Challenger 3500 emphasizes super‑midsize comfort and efficiency, the Praetor 600 pushes the upper end of super‑midsize range, and the G400 steps into a larger‑cabin, longer‑range tier.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Embraer Praetor 600 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 6.74 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Embraer | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | Praetor 600 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4018 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.84 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | — | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,141 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 542 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $20,995,000 | 34500000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | — |
| Crew Rest | No | No | — |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | — |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 12 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.7 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 27140 | — |
| Connectivity | — | Gogo AVANCE L5 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | HTF73500 | HTF7500E | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 18 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 7528 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 1963 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 68.1 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 70.5 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.8 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 24.1 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 21 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 4.7 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 21.3 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 45 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 110 | — |