Challenger 850 vs Falcon 50EX
The Falcon 50EX leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Bombardier Aviation Challenger 850 (introduced 2006) and the Dassault Aviation Falcon 50EX (introduced 1996) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are business jets, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Challenger 850 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Challenger 850 vs Falcon 50EX: the key differences
- The Falcon 50EX delivers 15% more range (Challenger 850: 2,811 nm; Falcon 50EX: 3,225 nm).
- The Challenger 850 and Falcon 50EX are evenly matched on cruise speed, both at 459 kt.
- The Challenger 850 delivers 78% more passenger capacity (Challenger 850: 16 seats; Falcon 50EX: 9 seats).
- The Challenger 850 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 850 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (53,000 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 850 runs 2 engines against 3 on the Falcon 50EX — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for transcontinental missions, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Challenger 850 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Falcon 50EX when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Challenger 850 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Challenger 850 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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Challenger 850 vs Falcon 50EX: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Challenger 850 or the Falcon 50EX?
The Falcon 50EX has the longer published range — 3,225 nm versus 2,811 nm for the Challenger 850.
Does the Challenger 850 or Falcon 50EX seat more passengers?
The Challenger 850 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 16 seats, compared with 9 on the Falcon 50EX.
Which is newer, the Challenger 850 or the Falcon 50EX?
The Challenger 850 is the newer design, introduced in 2006 versus 1996 for the Falcon 50EX.
Is the Challenger 850 or the Falcon 50EX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Challenger 850 is the larger aircraft — 53,000 lbs versus 40,780 lbs for the Falcon 50EX.
Should I buy the Challenger 850 or the Falcon 50EX?
Choose the Falcon 50EX when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Challenger 850 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Challenger 850 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Challenger 850 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.