Bombardier Challenger 3500
The latest evolution of Bombardier’s successful Challenger family, the Challenger 3500 is a refined super-midsize jet offering a spacious cabin, advanced onboard technology and reliable performance for private jet charter flights.
Super Midsize Jet
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bombardier |
| Category | Super Midsize Jet |
| Range* | 6300 km 3400 NM |
| Cruise speed | 985 km/h 531 kts |
| Seats** | 8-10 |
| Suitcases | 14 |
* with IFR reserves
** in standard configuration
Aircraft Pictures
History
The Bombardier Challenger 3500 is the latest evolution of the Challenger 300 series, one of Bombardier’s most successful super-midsize business jet families. The original Challenger 300 entered service in the early 2000s and established the platform’s reputation for combining range, cabin comfort and dependable performance in the super-midsize category.
Bombardier later developed the Challenger 350, before introducing the Challenger 3500 in Montréal in September 2021. Rather than a clean-sheet aircraft, the Challenger 3500 builds on the proven Challenger platform while adding a redesigned interior, advanced passenger technology, Bombardier’s Nuage seating and an upgraded cockpit.
The aircraft entered service in September 2022 and now represents the most recent generation of the Challenger super-midsize platform. For charter clients, its appeal lies in combining the reliability of an established aircraft family with the cabin comfort, connectivity and onboard features expected from a modern business jet.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Challenger 3500 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bombardier |
| Aircraft category | super midsize jet |
| ICAO Designator | CL35 |
| Start/End of Production | 2021 - Still in production |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 3400 NM (6300 km) |
|---|---|
| Cruise speed | 531 kts (985 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 300 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.83 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 432 KTAS |
| Takeoff Distance | 1474 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 721 m |
| Service Ceiling | 45000 ft |
| Thrust | 7323 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | Honeywell HTF7350 |
| Avionics | Collins Aerospace Pro Line 21 Advanced |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 20.9 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 6.2 m |
| Wing span | 21.1 m |
| Cabin height | 1.82 m (6 ft) |
| Cabin length | 7.62 m (25.2 ft) |
| Cabin width | 2.13 m (7.2 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 3 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 8-10 |
| Seats (max) | 10 |
| Suitcases | 14 |
| Carry-on luggage | 16 |
| Maximum payload | 142 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 18416 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 15490 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 7934 L |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages of a Bombardier Challenger 3500 as a rental aircraft:
- Comfortable: The Challenger 3500 offers one of the most refined cabin experiences in the super-midsize category, with a wide flat-floor cabin, redesigned interior and Bombardier’s Nuage seats.
- Technologically advanced: The aircraft features advanced onboard technology, including voice-controlled cabin functions, wireless charging, 4K entertainment features and a modern cabin management system.
- Long range: With its strong super-midsize range, the Challenger 3500 is well suited to many regional and transcontinental private jet charter flights, while offering more cabin space than smaller midsize aircraft.
- Passenger wellbeing: Its low cabin altitude, quiet cabin and fast fresh-air circulation help create a more comfortable environment, especially on longer flights.
- Reliable platform: As the latest evolution of the Challenger family, the Challenger 3500 benefits from a proven aircraft platform used by corporate, fractional and charter operators.
Disadvantages of a Bombardier Challenger 3500 as a rental aircraft:
- Limited long-haul capability: As a super-midsize jet, the Challenger 3500 is not designed for ultra-long-haul intercontinental flights in the same way as a heavy or ultra-long-range jet.
- Range limitations: Its published range depends on passenger load, routing, weather conditions, speed and operational requirements, so some longer routes may require a fuel stop.
- Limited availability: Because the Challenger 3500 is a newer aircraft, charter availability may be more limited than for the older Challenger 300 or Challenger 350 in some regions.
- Higher cost on short flights: For short regional flights, a light jet or midsize jet may offer a more cost-effective solution depending on passenger numbers, luggage and airport requirements.
- Smaller than heavy jets: Although spacious for its class, the cabin does not offer the same space, separate zones or long-haul amenities as larger aircraft such as Bombardier Global jets or other heavy jets.
FAQ
What makes the Challenger 3500 different from the Challenger 350?
The Challenger 3500 builds on the proven Challenger 350 platform while introducing a more modern passenger experience. Key differences include a redesigned cabin, Bombardier Nuage seats, voice-controlled cabin functions, wireless charging, 4K entertainment features and a standard autothrottle system. The Challenger 3500 also offers a slightly longer NBAA IFR range, at 6,300 km (3,400 nm), compared with 5,926 km (3,200 nm) for the Challenger 350.
Is the Challenger 3500 widely available for charter?
The Challenger 3500 is newer than the Challenger 300 and Challenger 350, so charter availability is generally more limited than for those older models. However, its presence is growing, especially with large private aviation groups and fleet operators. Availability will vary by region, season and route, so LunaJets may propose a Challenger 3500 when available, or comparable super-midsize alternatives when they are better positioned for the requested itinerary.
How many pilots are required to operate a Challenger 3500?
The Challenger 3500 requires two pilots. It is not certified for single-pilot operations, which is normal for a super-midsize business jet of this size and performance level. In private jet charter operations, the aircraft is operated by a professional crew consisting of a pilot and co-pilot.
How does the Challenger 3500 compare with the Embraer Praetor 600?
The Challenger 3500 and Embraer Praetor 600 are both super-midsize business jets suited to longer regional and transcontinental private jet charter flights. The Praetor 600 offers a longer NBAA IFR range — 7,441 km (4,018 nm), compared with 6,300 km (3,400 nm) for the Challenger 3500 — making it attractive when maximum distance is the priority.
In typical charter configurations, both aircraft usually accommodate a similar number of passengers, with the Challenger 3500 generally seating 8–10 passengers and the Praetor 600 generally seating 8–9 passengers. The Challenger 3500, however, stands out for its wide flat-floor cabin, redesigned interior, Bombardier Nuage seats and passenger-focused technology such as voice-controlled cabin functions, wireless charging and 4K entertainment.
Does the Challenger 3500 have a lavatory?
Yes. The Challenger 3500 typically features an enclosed rear lavatory, as well as a forward galley and onboard storage areas. In some configurations, the lavatory may include a certified belted seat, but the exact layout depends on the individual aircraft available for charter.
Which airports can be served by a Challenger 3500?
The Challenger 3500 can serve many major business aviation airports, as well as selected airports with more demanding approach or runway requirements. Its short-field performance makes it suitable for a wide range of private jet routes. For airports with a steep approach, such as London City Airport, the aircraft and operator must be specifically approved. The Challenger 3500 can be approved for London City Airport operations, but this does not mean every Challenger 3500 can automatically operate there.
