Honeywell Gets the Nod for 731 Mod On the Falcon 50; Is Using Pro Line 4

Honeywell recently received approval from DGAC and FAA for retrofitting TFE731-40 turbofan engines to the Dassault Falcon 50, essentially transforming the older Falcon tri-jet into a Falcon 50EX. The $5.3 million conversion package includes engines, increased rudder authority and other systems modifications.

The conversion also requires retrofitting a $2.3 million Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 avionics package. Honeywell, though, will offer customers up to a $1 million trade-in credit for their old -3 engines.

The -40 engines have the same 3,700-pounds-thrust as the aircraft's original -3 engines, but they're flat-rated to ISA+17 deg.C, thereby providing substantially better hot-and-high takeoff and climb performance. The re-engined aircraft can climb directly to FL 410 at maximum takeoff weight--and do it in 16 minutes less than the old aircraft could climb to FL 390. The Falcon 50/40 also can climb to FL 370 in 17 minutes, which is unsurpassed by any current production Dassault Falcon Jet.

In addition, the Falcon 50/40 can cruise at .80 Mach at flight levels at which the old aircraft could only squeeze out .75 Mach.

The -40 engines are fitted with set-and-forget, digital electronic engine controls that greatly reduce pilot workload. 10% better thrust, lower specific fuel consumption, extended maintenance intervals and 40% lower MSP costs are added benefits.

-Fred George