falcon_5X

Dassault Aviation has unveiled Falcon 5X, a new addition to its large cabin, long-range business jets, at its Bordeaux-Mérignac final assembly facility in France.

Falcon 5X is claimed to offer the largest cabin cross-section among business jets, and has 9,630km range and speed of 105k.

Other features of the aircraft include an ultra-efficient wing, digital flight control system derived from the Rafale fighter jet, redesigned cockpit equipped with third-generation Dassault EASy flight deck, and aircraft and engine health monitoring systems.

The Falcon 5X will be powered by new Snecma Silvercrest engines that are said to offer 15% higher fuel efficiency than other powerplants in its thrust class.

Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO Eric Trappier said: "The Falcon 5X was designed to answer operator demand for an aircraft in the 5,000nm range that could provide more space and comfort than existing large body jets, while combining the handling qualities, the low-speed performance and operating economics, which are the hallmark of Falcons.

"We expect it to become every bit as popular as the 7X, the fastest-selling Falcon we’ve ever built."

"Customers have already responded to the new aircraft with enthusiasm and we expect it to become every bit as popular as the 7X, the fastest-selling Falcon we’ve ever built."

The Falcon 5X concept was revealed at the National Business Aviation Association Convention in Las Vegas in October 2013.

Dassault is performing final assembly and testing of the Falcon 5X at the Mérignac facility, which has so far delivered more than 8,000 civil and military aircraft.

The first 5X aircraft started system ground tests last year and aircraft number two has recently joined the programme.

Dassault expects to conduct maiden flight of Falcon 5X later this year.

Image: Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 5X aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Dassault Aviation.