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.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 6.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | G280 | G400 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 3600 | 4200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.82 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 15550 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | — |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | $ 3,168 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 481 | 539 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $24,900,000 | 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 | 10 | — |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.2 | — |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | 25000 | — |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 | — |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — |
| Model | HTF73500 | HTF7250G | — |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | 7624 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | 66.9 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | 63 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.3 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | 6.9 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.3 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | 25.9 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | 21.4 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | 5.4 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | 17.7 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | 154 | — |