Bombardier Challenger 3500 vs Gulfstream G500
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 and Gulfstream G500 sit in different business-jet categories, with the Challenger 3500 typically considered a super-midsize jet and the G500 a large-cabin, long-range jet. That category difference shows up most clearly in range and cabin scale. The Challenger 3500 is designed for strong transcontinental missions, offering an advertised range of roughly 3,400 nautical miles, which fits many North America coast-to-coast and similar routes with comfortable reserves depending on conditions. The Gulfstream G500 is built for longer nonstop legs, with an advertised range around 5,300 nautical miles, enabling more intercontinental pairings and greater routing flexibility. Passenger capacity overlaps but is not the same in practice. The Challenger 3500 is commonly configured for about 8 to 10 passengers, while the G500 is often arranged for about 10 to 14 passengers, with more room for multiple living zones and added amenities. In general, the Challenger 3500 emphasizes efficiency and capability in the super-midsize segment, while the G500 prioritizes larger-cabin comfort and substantially longer range.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 3500 | Gulfstream G500 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 6.71 | $ 9.00 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 3500 | G500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 3400 | 5200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.84 | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 10 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 15950 | 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 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 533 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $26,950,000 | $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 |