Volume 27 | Issue 3
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Manufactured by French aerospace manufacturer Dassault Aviation (named after founder Marcel Dassault), the Falcon jet family sets the standard for high-performance executive aircraft. With a shared DNA of legendary fighter jets like Mirage and Rafale, every Falcon carries technologies proven in the most challenging environments.
The Falcon jet lineage began over 60 years ago in 1963 with the introduction of the Falcon 20, or what was then known Mystère 20s. Over the decades since, Dassault expanded the series to include a range of models, each incorporating cutting-edge advancements in aerodynamics, avionics, and passenger comfort. The Falcon Jet series is celebrated for its blend of speed, range, and efficiency, catering to a diverse array of business and personal aviation needs.
Dassault Aviation currently supports a fleet of over 2100 Falcons in service in over 90 countries, with a worldwide service network and strategically located command centers available 24/7. Falcon owners and operators are backed by 2,200 professionals in a global network capable of responding to every need, from the routine to the extraordinary, with skill and precision.
Falcons consistently outperform their competitors in long-term retained value, making them a superior long-term investment. The highly-optimized design of Falcon aircraft not only delivers industry -leading fuel efficiency, but costs less to maintain than business jets in its class. That’s because the use of lightweight materials makes them the most efficient aircraft in business aviation, reducing both fuel use and emissions.
Eco-responsibility extends beyond the aircraft itself to how the aircraft is manufactured. The company is strongly involved in worldwide programs to improve best practices and in promoting greener flight operations. Dassault’s eco-friendly manufacturing processes meet the highest industrial standards in the world such as ISO 14001 and European REACH. Named a European Climate Leader by the Financial Times, Dassault is also part of the Clean Sky Joint Undertaking and similar initiatives.
All Falcon models can fly on 50 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blends. However, the target is for all Falcon models in production by 2030 to operate at 100 percent SAF, offering the greatest climate benefit without compromising legendary Falcon efficiency and safety.
With a virtually limitless choice of configurations, furnishings, materials and finishes to choose from, options range from multiple lounges and seating arrangements to dining and entertainment areas, state rooms, and spalike bathrooms. Falcon owners collaborate with Dassault designers noted for their stunning and inventive work to achieve customized cabins with French flair for innovations.
New Falcons are now equipped with Ambiance, an app-based full cabin management system that gives passengers control of their environment, in-flight entertainment, and communications, including email and video meetings. Ambiance recognizes a passengers seating location within the cabin, providing local control of temperature, lighting, and window shades.
Such innovation extends to the fighter-inspired pilot’s cockpit that features EASy, an integrated human/machine interface with better graphics and brighter colors that vastly increases operational capabilities and improves crew coordination, while at the same time reducing pilot workload to achieve enhanced flying and situational awareness. Dassault was the first business jet manufacturer to introduce digital flight controls designed for military aircraft to provide superior control and stability. The FalconEye® Combined Vision System utilized a unique Head Up Display (HUD) that helps provide safer landings under all operational conditions.
Unique innovations in wing design and optimized strength-to-weight ratio, provides Falcon jets with unsurpassed agility and smooth cruising, capable of get in and out of challenging airports and demanding approaches. In addition to smooth landings, whether at a major hub or remote airfield, a Falcon business jet can easily escape traffic tie-ups and turbulent weather conditions.
The newest edition to the Falcon family is the Falcon 10X, which will cruise to Mach 0.925 and fly up to 13,890 km non-stop. When certified in 2027, the 10X will be the largest purpose-built business jet in the industry. Its fourth-generation flight deck provides a number of novel safety features, including large-touchscreen displays, a single-lever Smart Throttle derived from top-line fighter technology, and an automatic recovery mode.
Dassault’s new extra widebody Falcon 6X features an award-winning interior with the largest cabin cross-section in business aviation, sized to carry up to 16 passengers with a range of 5,500 nautical miles and Maximum Mach operating speed of .90. The 6X’s next-generation digital flight control system provides an unparalleled level of precision handling and turbulence damping that guarantees a silky-smooth ride under all travel conditions. Despite its size, the aircraft can access short fields under 3,500 feet.
The latest in the popular 2000-series with nearly 700 aircraft delivered to date, the Falcon 2000LXS seats up to 10 in widebody comfort with a range of 4,000 nautical miles.
Other models include the Falcon 8X with a range of 6,450 nautical miles and featuring superior soundproofing technology that makes it the quietest cabin in the industry. The 8X is up to 15 percent more fuel-efficient than any other aircraft in the ultra-long-range segment thanks to the three highly efficient Pratt & Whitney PW307D engines.
Newest in the 900 series, the Falcon 900LX features a sleek, fashion forward interior that meets the needs of any business traveler. Strong yet light, agile yet smooth, powerful yet efficient, the 900LX assures pilots precise and responsive aerodynamic feedback and large safety margins. And like all Falcons, the 900LX is compatible with SAF blends thanks to its three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines that deliver more power with lower fuel consumption and less maintenance.
It’s also worth noting a multi-mission line of Falcon jets, designed for government VIPs, naval rescue and medevac operations, strategic and maritime surveillance, and scientific research. Their high flexibility, impressive payloads, robust construction, and advanced flight controls make Falcons the perfect choice for multi-mission duty.
Since the very first Falcon flew in 1963, Dassault has earned a global reputation for the best flying business jets in the industry. Building, growing and maintaining strong relationships with its customers is a key part of the company’s success. Whether it is customizing a new Falcon, providing seamless delivery, service, or support, Dassault listens carefully to its customers, understands their needs, and pro-actively delivers the best solution at the right time.
Patti Jo Rosenthal chats about her role as Manager of K-12 STEM Education Programs at ASME where she drives nationally scaled STEM education initiatives, building pathways that foster equitable access to engineering education assets and fosters curiosity vital to “thinking like an engineer.”