Given that the Bombardier Challenger 350 and Bombardier Challenger 650 are part of the same family, a common question is which is better. People are curious to know how these two aircraft stack up against eachother.
Therefore, an in-depth comparison between the Challenger 350 and Challenger 650 will reveal which aircraft is better suited to your needs.
Performance
Starting the comparison between the two aircraft with their performance is an easy way to identify some key differences.
The Challenger 350 is powered by two Honeywell HTF7350 turbofan engines. Each engine is capable of producing 7,323 lbf. The Challenger 650, on the other hand, is powered by two General Electric CF34-3B, with each one producing 9,220 lbf of thrust.
Therefore, right out of the gate the Challenger 650 has more power than its smaller sibling. However, this is not entirely unexpected as the 650 is a larger aircraft overall.
The result of this deficit of power results in the Challenger 350 having a lower cruise speed. The Challenger 350 is capable of cruising at a maximum speed of 448 knots. The Challenger 650, on the other hand, is capable of cruising at a speed of 488 knots. (See graph below)
However, while the Challenger 650 can cruise faster than the 350, it can’t fly as high. The Challenger 350 has a maximum cruising altitude of 45,000 feet. This is 4,000 feet higher than the 650 can fly, topping out at just 41,000 feet.
Range
In terms of range the Challenger 650 easily beats out the 350, with a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles. Whereas the 350 will run out of fuel at the 3,200 nautical mile distance.
A range of 3,200 nautical miles means that the 350 is still capable of flying non-stop between New York and London. However, the Challenger 650 is able to fly the distance from New York to Rome without issue.
Of course, these figures are when the aircraft is in its optimal configuration and optimal weather conditions. Therefore, if there is a strong wind or you wish to carry multiple passengers, you will likely struggle to completely cross the Atlantic in the 350. Visualize these numbers on this range map.
Ground Performance
Next up is the minimum distance required for each aircraft to take off and land. How long a runway do they need. This is an important measurement as the shorter the distances, the more airports each jet can land at.
The results are no surprise. The bigger aircraft requires more distance to take off. The Challenger 650 has a minimum take off distance of 5,640 feet. Whereas the 350 can take off in just 4,835 feet.
The trend continues to the minimum landing distance. However, this comparison is far closer. The Challenger 350 has a minimum landing distance of 2,364 feet, while the 650 requires at least 2,402 feet. This is a difference of just under 40 feet.
Is this a difference that you will notice in the real world? No.
Furthermore, the take off distance required is a more important metric when considering which airports the aircraft can land at. Naturally, the reason for this is that wherever the aircraft lands it must also take off.
Interior Dimensions
The difference in interior dimensions leans in favor of the Challenger 650, but only just. While the 650 is a larger aircraft than the 350, the interior size is remarkably similar.
The interior if the Challenger 650 is just 12 centimeters longer than that of 350. When it comes to interior width the Challenger 650 comes in at 2.41 meters wide, with the 350 at 2.19 meters. That’s a difference of just 22 centimeters.
And finally, the height of each aircraft. Surprisingly the height is identical for both the Challenger 350 and Challenger 650. Both have an interior cabin height of 1.83 meters – equivalent to just over 6 feet. Therefore, both aircraft provide ample space for most people to stand up straight. This makes the cabin feel far more spacious and easier to move around.
Interior
As you would expect when comparing the interior of these two aircraft, they are remarkably similar. This is to be expected as not only are both aircraft designed and manufactured by the same company – Bombardier – but they are also part of the same family.
The 650 is capable of carrying up to 12 passengers while the 350 can carry up to 10. Additionally, the Challenger 650 can carry up to 115 cubic feet of luggage while the 350 can carry 106 cubic feet.
Cabin Altitude
And, crucially, the Challenger 650 has a lower ‘official’ cabin altitude. The cabin altitude is the oxygen level within the cabin. A lower cabin altitude results in a more pleasant cabin environment and reduces the effects of jet lag. The Challenger 650 has a maximum cabin altitude of 7,000 feet while the Challenger 350 has a maximum cabin altitude of 7.848 feet.
However, note that these values are the cabin altitude when each aircraft is flying at their maximum cruising altitude. Therefore, the 650 cabin altitude is representative of flying at 41,000 feet while the Challenger 350’s cabin altitude is representative of flying at 45,000 feet. As a result, their cabin altitudes are essentially the same.
Interior Features
From the Challenger 350 you can expect exceptional craftsmanship, carefully selected finishes, large windows and angled touch screens. Optionally experience Ka-band and 4G air-to-ground internet. This allows you to stream music, watch movies & participate in video conferences.
Flying the Challenger 350 gives you the ability to control the cabin from the comfort of every seat. The cabin management system of the 350 has been inspired by Bombardier’s flagship aircraft – the Global 7500. The cabin management system allows you to connect to your personal devices with a super simple user interface. See the full feature list.
On the other hand the Challenger 650 features an absence of visible speakers in the cabin walls to provide cleaner lines throughout the cabin. All seats are filly reclining and swivel round for maximum comfort. Every component in the aircraft has been hand-built by Bombardier at their factory in Montreal, providing you with an aircraft that is unique in the sky.
The environment within the 650 cabin can be controlled with the mobile app which connects via Bluetooth, controlling the entertainment system and the cabin environment. In the usual configuration passengers can expect to find four facing leather club seats in the forward section of the jet, with an additional four facing seats towards the aft of the aircraft.
Bombardier Challenger 350 Interior
Bombardier Challenger 650 Interior
Charter Price
The Challenger 350 has an estimated hourly charter price of $4,950. This is nearly $2,000 cheaper per hour than the Challenger 650. The Challenger 650 has an estimated hourly charter price of $6,600. Of course, there are a number of factors that can influence the hourly price of a charter.
Purchase Price
As you can probably predict, the larger and faster aircraft, with a greater passenger capacity and range, costs more to purchase. The price difference between the two aircraft is $6 million (list price before options).
The Challenger 350 costs $26 million while the Challenger 650 costs $32 million. If you wish to customize your choice of aircraft then head over to Bombardier’s website.
When it comes to pre-owned prices 2016 to 2020 Challenger 350 prices range from $13.5 million to $26.7 million prices respectively. Pre-owned examples of the 650 come in between $16 and $20 million for an early example.
Of course, there are many factors to consider when purchasing a private jet, not least the ownership costs which can run into the millions of dollars every year.
Summary
So, which private jet is better, the Challenger 350 or the Challenger 650?
The answer is neither. They are very similar aircraft. Of course that is not surprising given that they are part of the same family.
However, if you have to choose between the two go with the Challenger 350 unless you require the additional range of the 650. It is unlikely that you will be filling these aircraft to their passenger capacity limits, therefore, the most importance difference between these aircraft is their range.
