Dassault Falcon Jet

A wholly owned subsidiary of Dassault Aviation, Dassault Falcon Jet, is set to begin expansion of its completion facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, US, with an investment of $60m.

The expansion involves the addition of 250,000ft² production and completion space, upgrading older hangars and renovating cabinet, upholstery and headliner shops.

The project is expected to be complete by early 2016 for delivery of Falcon 5X twin jet and ultra-long range Falcon 8X trijet.

"Dassault’s Little Rock facility brings international attention to the strength of our state’s aerospace sector."

Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO Eric Trappier said: "This undertaking demonstrates a commitment to continue our investment in Little Rock and to ensure the facility will remain at the forefront of completion technology.

"Little Rock is not only the company’s largest industrial plant, it is also an industry leader in digital completion techniques, which Dassault pioneered."

The project comes after a $20m upgrade in 2008, which added four paint bays, new production, and warehouse space for production of the very long range Falcon 7X.

Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe said: "Dassault’s Little Rock facility brings international attention to the strength of our state’s aerospace sector."

In 2010, The Federal Aviation Administration has approved Dassault Falcon Jet to use 3D data during the completion process, which allows customers to visualise the final configuration of the aircraft.


Image: Officials at the ground breaking ceremony of Dassault Falcon Jet’s Arkansas plant expansion. Photo: courtesy of Dassault Aviation.

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