Dassault highlights latest planes, upgrades at EBACE

Dassault Aviation showcased its latest and largest jets, the twin-engined Falcon 6X and 10X, at this year’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland. Dassault’s most popular in-production models, the Falcon 2000LXS twin and the 8X trijet were on the static display as well. EBACE was a fitting venue to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Falcon brand. Since the introduction of its first business jet, the Falcon 20, the company has established itself as one of the industry’s leading OEMs, with more than 2,700 aircraft delivered, 2,100 units in operation, and over 20 million fleet hours flown.

The third Falcon 6X flight test aircraft, equipped with a fully fitted cabin interior, endured a gauntlet of extreme hot and cold temperature soaks and flooded runway trials as well as high-altitude, high-speed testing.

The 6X recently completed its certification flight test program after accumulating 1,480 hours in the air across 580 flights. The company anticipates certification in the coming weeks, with the entry into service to follow.

One of the highlights of the Dassault display was a full flight deck and cabin mockup of the Falcon 10X, which will be the largest purpose-built business jet on the market. The Mach 0.925, 7,500 nm 10X has already won two awards – the Chicago Atheneum award for Good Design and the Red Dot Design Award, two of the world’s most prestigious design trophies.

Like the actual 10X cabin, the 65ft-long mockup is modular in design, making it possible to display different modules and layouts at each trade show. The EBACE version will feature an extended dining area that permits the installation of individuals sliding seats. A separate mockup will showcase Dassault’s new Falcon Privacy Suite, a cocoon-like personal space that will afford greater peace and quiet on long intercontinental flights. The suite – the first on a purpose-built business jet – is equipped with an electrically operated seat that reclines to a lie-flat bed for a more comfortable and restful sleep. It will also be available on the Falcon 6X and 8X. A third mockup showing the master bathroom option with its two-window shower was also on view.

Parts production for the Falcon 10X is already underway and assembly of the first airframe is gathering pace. A prototype of the aircraft’s all carbon fiber wing is in the final stages of static and fatigue testing and a series of revolutionary multi-system test benches – intended to demonstrate the maturity of all systems before the aircraft even takes to the air – is up and running. Several novel design features, including the aircraft’s innovative Smart Throttle, have entered testing on a full flight deck bench in Saint Cloud, near Paris.

The 10X’s 18,000 lb + thrust Rolls Royce Pearl engine has completed extensive ground tests, including on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The engine is expected to fly on a Boeing 747 flying test bed later this year.