Jet Comparison: Bombardier Challenger 850 v Gulfstream V

Heavy Jet Comparison: Bombardier Challenger 850 v Gulfstream V

In the world of private jet charter, the term Heavy Jet is commonly used to describe a class of large, long-range airliners characterized by their substantial size, capacity, and operational capabilities. The key features of heavy jets are their large size, long-range capabilities, high maximum take-off weight, and advanced avionic systems.

Due to these features, The Heavy Jet category provides passengers with exceptional range, extensive onboard facilities, and large luggage holds that make them versatile and globally very popular.

In this article, we take a look at two of the most popular heavy jets for private jet charters and two of the world’s most iconic aircraft: The Bombardier Challenger 850 and the Gulfstream V.

With one of the largest and most comfortable cabins of all corporate private jets, the Bombardier Challenger 850 is an extremely popular option for private jet charters around the world. This is because while it offers the same size cabin as many of its rivals, the Challenger 850’s operating cost, range, and flexibility are akin to a much smaller jet.

Powered by a brace of General Electric CF34-3A1 engines, each offering 8,729 lbs of thrust, the Challenger 850 features a Rockwell Collins ProLine 4 avionics suite, as well as a dual global positioning system, dual distance measuring equipment, dual automatic direction finder, enhanced ground proximity warning system, dual navigation or communication radios, and a traffic collision avoidance system.

A range of 5379 KM / 3342 Miles combined with improved fuel efficiency over its predecessors means the Bombardier Challenger 850 can complete routes such as London to Istanbul, Rome to Dubai, Abu Dhabi to Bangkok, and Beijing to Mumbai.

In its standard and most popular configuration, the Challenger 850 seats up to 15 passengers in an executive seating layout. A baggage hold offering 250 ft³ of luggage space ensures there is room for approximately 20 standard-sized suitcases, ample for a comfortable travel experience for the 15 passengers on board.

The Inside Story

The capability of comfortably seating up to 15 passengers and two crew makes the Challenger 850 ideal for long-distance travel. Its spacious cabin offers ample headroom and leg space for all passengers and can be configured in a range of layouts to suit passengers’ specific needs and preferences, while seats that can be modified into beds ensure the Challenger 850 is perfect for long-haul flights during both daytime and nighttime.

To ensure passengers can remain productive, entertained, and comfortable during their flight, amenities onboard the Challenger 850 include internet connectivity, a satellite communication telephone system, in-flight mapping, digital cabin entertainment, LCD displays with touch-screen controls, forward and aft lavatories, and LED lighting.

Globally renowned for its long-term performance and reliability, the Gulfstream V has become an icon of the skies. Ultra-luxurious with phenomenal range, for many the GV is the quintessential business jet. Just a brief look at its capabilities, and it is clear why.

A pair of BMW/Rolls-Royce BR710-48 engines provide more than 29,000lbs of thrust, enough power for the Gulfstream V to travel intercontinental distances at high speeds and altitudes up to 51,000ft, enabling it to avoid most air traffic. The GV can fly its passengers non-stop on desirable private jet charter routes such as Paris to Hong Kong, London to Singapore and Los Angeles to Sao Paulo.

It is also worth noting that the GV also flies with a HUD and Kollman/Opgal enhanced vision system (EVS) which gives the aircraft the ability to land in harsh conditions with limited or no visibility.

Many different configurations are possible for the Gulfstream V’s cabin, with the most popular seating 13 passengers, usually featuring a four-place club arrangement, two-place club, divan in the mid-cabin, and four-place conference seating in the aft section.

The Inside Story

At more than 96 foot long and 25 high, the Gulfstream V’s cabin is more spacious than a large number of its competitors. Gulfstream has utilised this space to create three distinct cabin zones (depending on configuration). Thanks to Gulfstream’s signature oval windows, this spacious cabin is bright and welcoming.

This spacious design extends to extensive baggage capacity with a 266ft³ luggage hold at the back of the plane offering the space to transport approximately 30 standard suitcases. This ensures passengers are very well catered for, with their comfort being optimised by onboard amenities such as separate lavatories for passengers and crew, a full-sized galley, power outlets, fold-out tables, satellite TV, fold-out work tables and multimedia entertainment systems.

Both the Bombardier Challenger 850 and the Gulfstream V are exceptional aircraft for private jet charters. Their range, performance, and cabin technology ensure that longer trips can be completed in complete comfort without needing to sacrifice time dedicated to work.

Here at SHY Aviation, we have access to the finest aircraft on the market, and our team of global private aviation specialists are available around the clock to provide you with a solution tailored to your individual requirements.

The SHY Lifestyle team of luxury travel experts provide exclusive experiences and lifestyle management services to ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish, whether you need the finest accommodation, car transfers, or access to events, products, or services.

Speak to one of our specialists and receive your private jet charter, group charter, or helicopter transfer quote today.