Bombardier Challenger 650 vs Gulfstream G280 vs Gulfstream G400 vs Gulfstream G500
In category, the Bombardier Challenger 650 and Gulfstream G280 are typically viewed as large-cabin (super‑midsize) business jets, while the Gulfstream G400 and G500 step up into the long‑range, large‑cabin class with more cabin volume and higher overall capability. For range, the Challenger 650 and G280 generally cover the mid‑to‑upper 3,000‑nautical‑mile segment (roughly around 3,800–4,000 nm depending on configuration and conditions), suitable for many transcontinental U.S. missions and some North Atlantic pairings with favorable winds. The G400 moves into true long‑range territory at about 4,200 nm, while the G500 extends farther still, commonly cited around 5,200 nm, enabling more nonstop intercontinental city pairs. Passenger capacity broadly overlaps but trends upward with size: the Challenger 650 and G280 are commonly arranged for about 8–10 passengers (with maximums higher), whereas the G400 and G500 are often configured around 10–14 passengers, with the G500 typically supporting the most spacious, higher-density long-range layouts.
| Spec | Bombardier Challenger 650 | Gulfstream G280 | Gulfstream G400 | Gulfstream G500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 7.16 | $ 6.57 | — | $ 9.00 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 12 | 12 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier | Gulfstream | Gulfstream | Gulfstream |
| Aircraft Name | Challenger 650 | G280 | G400 | G500 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | — | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 4085 | 3600 | 4200 | 5200 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.80 | $ 0.82 | — | $ 0.90 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | — | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 21050 | 15550 | 30650 | 30650 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 | — | 10 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 3,365 | $ 3,168 | — | $ 4,644 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Advanced | Gulfstream PlaneView (Pro Line Fusion) | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck | Gulfstream Symmetry Flight Deck |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 481 | 539 | 516 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $32,400,000 | $24,900,000 | 34500000 | $47,500,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Lavatory | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | — | 2 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | — | 4 |
| Crew Rest | Yes | No | — | No |
| Jump Seat | Yes | No | — | Yes |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | — | 12 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | — | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 | — | 19 |
| Lavatory Location | FWD / AFT | AFT | — | FWD / AFT |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.8 | 9.2 | — | 10.7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | — | Galley |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 9 | 8 | — | 10 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 23000 | 25000 | — | 31900 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 5800 | — | — |
| Engine | ||||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | — | Yes |
| Model | CF34-3B MTO | HTF7250G | — | PW814GA |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | On-Condition | — | 10000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | ISA + 17 | — | ISA + 15 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 9220 | 7624 | — | 15144 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | — | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 68.4 | 66.9 | — | 91.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 64.4 | 63 | — | 86.3 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | 0.3 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 7.9 | 6.9 | — | 7.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 6 | 6.3 | — | 6.4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 25.6 | 25.9 | — | 41.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 20.7 | 21.4 | — | 25.5 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 6.9 | 5.4 | — | 6.1 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 15.4 | 17.7 | — | 26.3 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 112 | 154 | — | 230 |