Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Dassault Falcon 900lx vs Embraer Legacy 650e
In category terms, the Bombardier Challenger 650 and Embraer Legacy 650E are typically positioned as large-cabin business jets, while the Dassault Falcon 900LX sits a step higher as a long-range, ultra-long-range–class trijet with a broader mission profile and stronger short/rough-field capability reputation. For range, the Falcon 900LX generally leads, offering about 4,750 nautical miles, enabling more nonstop intercontinental pairings. The Challenger 650 and Legacy 650E are closer to each other, both commonly quoted around the 4,000–4,100 nautical mile range, suitable for many transcontinental U.S. and some Atlantic missions depending on winds and payload. For passenger capacity, all three can be configured for roughly 12–13 passengers in typical executive layouts, with maximum certified seating usually higher. In day-to-day use, the Falcon 900LX tends to be chosen when extra range and operational flexibility are priorities, while the Challenger 650 and Legacy 650E often appeal to operators seeking large-cabin comfort and value on slightly shorter long-range missions.
| 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 | — |