Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Dassault Falcon 900lx vs Embraer Legacy 650e
The Bombardier Challenger 650, Dassault Falcon 900LX, and Embraer Legacy 650E all sit in the large-cabin business jet category, but they emphasize different strengths. The Challenger 650 is typically positioned as a large-cabin jet optimized for comfort and reliability on long missions, with a range around 4,000 nautical miles and a typical passenger load of about 8–12, depending on configuration. The Falcon 900LX is a long-range large-cabin jet with three-engine performance and strong field and climb capability; it generally offers the longest reach of the three at roughly 4,750 nautical miles and commonly seats about 10–14. The Legacy 650E is also a large-cabin jet, often valued for cabin size and operating economics; its range is usually around 3,900 nautical miles with typical seating in the 10–13 range. In practical terms, the Falcon 900LX is the best fit when maximum range and operational flexibility matter most, while the Challenger 650 and Legacy 650E offer comparable large-cabin capacity with slightly shorter transcontinental-to-near-intercontinental range profiles.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Dassault Falcon 900LX | Embraer Legacy 650E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 7.57 | $ 8.41 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 16 | 14 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Dassault Falcon | Embraer |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | 900LX | Legacy 650E |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 4750 | 3980 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.63 | $ 0.70 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 14 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 22450 | 22510 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 14 | 12 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 3,588 | $ 3,860 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Honeywell Primus Elite |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 498 | 458 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $44,000,000 | $26,500,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | No |
| Total Seats | 11 | 16 | 14 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 14 | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT | AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.6 | 8.4 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 14 | 12 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 25300 | 21650 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | TFE731-60 | AE3007A2 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 5000 | On-Condition |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 5000 | 9020 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | — | 1901 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 66.4 | 86.5 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 70.2 | 69.5 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 7.7 | 6.9 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.2 | 6 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 33.2 | 42.4 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 24.8 | 22.2 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 6.3 | 5.2 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 23.5 | 30.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 127 | 286 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1264 | — |