Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Gulfstream G400 vs Gulfstream G500
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is best categorized as a super-midsize business jet, optimized for efficient missions in the mid-to-long range. It typically carries about 8 to 10 passengers in a comfortable executive layout and is well suited to transcontinental U.S. flying and many North Atlantic city pairs with appropriate planning, but it generally offers less range than the larger Gulfstreams. The Gulfstream G400 and G500 sit in the large-cabin category, with the G500 positioned above the G400 in overall capability. Both usually accommodate around 8 to 14 passengers depending on configuration, with more cabin volume and luggage capacity than the Challenger 3500. In range, the G400 targets roughly the mid‑4,000 nautical mile class, while the G500 is commonly cited around the mid‑5,000 nautical mile class, enabling more nonstop intercontinental missions. Overall, the Challenger 3500 emphasizes value and super-midsize efficiency, the G400 offers a step-up large-cabin experience, and the G500 delivers the longest reach and greatest mission flexibility of the three.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Gulfstream G400 | Gulfstream G500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | — | $ 9.00 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | G400 | G500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | — | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 4200 | 5200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | — | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | — | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 30650 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | — | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,152 | — | $ 4,644 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 539 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | 34500000 | $47,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | — | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Flushing | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | — | 4 |
| Crew Rest | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | — | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | — | 12 |
| Galley Location | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | — | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | — | 10.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | — | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | — | 10 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23338 | — | 31900 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | — | Yes |
| Model | HTF73500 | — | PW814GA |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | — | 10000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | — | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 7323 | — | 15144 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | — | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.7 | — | 91.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 69 | — | 86.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.2 | — | 7.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | — | 6.4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.2 | — | 41.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20 | — | 25.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 5.1 | — | 6.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.6 | — | 26.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 106 | — | 230 |