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Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400

The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G280 are both super‑midsize business jets, while the Gulfstream G400 steps up into the large‑cabin, long‑range category. In range, the Challenger 3500 is typically quoted around 3,400 nautical miles, the G280 around 3,600 nautical miles, and the G400 roughly 4,200 nautical miles, making the G400 the clear choice for longer nonstop city pairs. Passenger capacity is broadly similar in headline numbers but differs in comfort at typical layouts: the Challenger 3500 is commonly arranged for about 8 to 10 passengers, the G280 usually seats about 8 to 10, and the larger‑cabin G400 is generally configured for around 10 to 12. In practical terms, the Challenger 3500 emphasizes cabin comfort and efficiency in the super‑midsize segment, the G280 edges it on range within the same class, and the G400 adds a larger cabin and more mission flexibility for longer routes with more passengers.

SpecBombardier Challenger 3500Gulfstream G280Gulfstream G400
Summary
Cockpit22—
DOC / nm$ 6.71$ 6.57—
Min Crew224
Total Seats101012
ManufacturerBombardierGulfstreamGulfstream
Aircraft NameChallenger 3500G280G400
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA—
Max Range (nm)340036004200
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.84$ 0.82—
Max Cabin Seats101019
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-Verified—
Useful Load (lbs)159501555030650
Standard Cabin Seats88—
Direct Operating Cost$ 3,152$ 3,168—
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 AdvancedGulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion)Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)533481539
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$26,950,000$24,900,00034500000
Cabin
Cockpit22—
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing—
Min Crew22—
Crew RestNoNo—
Jump SeatYesNo—
Total Seats1010—
Galley LocationFWDFWD—
Max Cabin Seats1010—
Lavatory LocationAFTAFT—
Cabin Pressure (psi)8.89.2—
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyGalley—
Standard Cabin Seats88—
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2333825000—
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)—5800—
Engine
FADECYesYes—
ModelHTF73500HTF7250G—
TBO (hrs)On-ConditionOn-Condition—
Flat RatingISA + 15ISA + 17—
Thrust (lbs)73237624—
No. of Engines22—
Dimensions
Length (ft)68.766.9—
Wingspan (ft)6963—
Aisle Step (ft)Flat Floor0.3—
Cabin Width (ft)7.26.9—
Cabin Height (ft)66.3—
Cabin Length (ft)25.225.9—
Overall Height (ft)2021.4—
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)5.15.4—
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.617.7—
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)106154—