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CompareChallenger 605 vs Falcon 50EX
Aircraft comparison

Challenger 605 vs Falcon 50EX

The Challenger 605 leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.

Put the Bombardier Aviation Challenger 605 (introduced 2006) beside the Dassault Aviation Falcon 50EX (introduced 1996) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Challenger 605 carries more passengers. undefined

Challenger 605

Bombardier Aviation

Challenger 605

Falcon 50EX

Dassault Aviation

Falcon 50EX

Performance
Range
4,000 nm
3,225 nm
Cruise speed
459 kt
459 kt
Max speed
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Locked — sign in to view
Service ceiling
Locked — sign in to view
Locked — sign in to view
Rate of climb
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Locked — sign in to view
Capacity & dimensions
Max seats
12
9
Crew
Locked — sign in to view
Locked — sign in to view
Max takeoff weight
48,300 lbs
40,780 lbs
Length
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Locked — sign in to view
Cabin height
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Locked — sign in to view
Powerplant
Engines
2 × Turbofan
3 × Turbofan
Engine model
General Electric CF34-3B
Honeywell TFE731-40

6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.

Challenger 605 vs Falcon 50EX: the key differences

  • The Challenger 605 delivers 24% more range (Challenger 605: 4,000 nm; Falcon 50EX: 3,225 nm).
  • The Challenger 605 and Falcon 50EX are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 459 kt.
  • The Challenger 605 delivers 33% more passenger capacity (Challenger 605: 12 seats; Falcon 50EX: 9 seats).
  • The Challenger 605 is the newer design (introduced 2006 versus 1996 for the Falcon 50EX), a gap of 10 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
  • The Challenger 605 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (48,300 lbs versus 40,780 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
  • The two differ in powerplant layout: the Challenger 605 runs 2 engines against 3 on the Falcon 50EX — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.

Which mission suits which aircraft

The Challenger 605 is the stronger fit for long-haul and transatlantic missions — its 4,000 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Falcon 50EX, at 3,225 nm, is better matched to transcontinental missions, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the Falcon 50EX's range, the Challenger 605's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.

Which should you choose?

On published specifications the Challenger 605 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Falcon 50EX can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.

Challenger 605 vs Falcon 50EX: FAQs

Which has the longer range, the Challenger 605 or the Falcon 50EX?

The Challenger 605 has the longer published range — 4,000 nm versus 3,225 nm for the Falcon 50EX.

Does the Challenger 605 or Falcon 50EX seat more passengers?

The Challenger 605 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 12 seats, compared with 9 on the Falcon 50EX.

Which is newer, the Challenger 605 or the Falcon 50EX?

The Challenger 605 is the newer design, introduced in 2006 versus 1996 for the Falcon 50EX.

Is the Challenger 605 or the Falcon 50EX the larger aircraft?

By maximum takeoff weight the Challenger 605 is the larger aircraft — 48,300 lbs versus 40,780 lbs for the Falcon 50EX.

Should I buy the Challenger 605 or the Falcon 50EX?

On published specifications the Challenger 605 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The Falcon 50EX can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.

Still weighing up the Challenger 605 vs Falcon 50EX?

Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.

How advisory works