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Falcon 900DX on Track for 4Q05 Deliveries
Dassault Aviation’s $32 million Falcon 900DX, the shorter-range version of the Falcon 900EX slated to replace the aging Falcon 900C, made its first flight on May 13 with test pilots Etienne Faurdessus and Philippe Narbey in the cockpit. The aircraft was airborne for three hours, 10 minutes, reaching a top speed of 370 KIAS and a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet. Faurdessus and Narbey also checked low-speed handling qualities, flying as slow as 100 KIAS with gear, slats and flaps extended.
“All systems worked flawlessly,” Faurdessus reported. The pilots checked the navigation and redesigned fuel systems, plus they evaluated cabin noise levels.
The DX is a virtual clone of the EX, sharing its triple 5,000 pounds thrust Honeywell TFE731-60 turbofans, advanced systems and EASy cockpit. However, the DX carries 2,170 lbs less fuel, shortening its eight-passenger range to 4,000 nmi. The Falcon DX has considerably better airport, climb, cruise and fuel-efficiency performance than the 900C. It’s intended to fill the gap between the 3,800-nmi range Falcon 2000EX twinjet and the 4,400-nmi range Falcon 900EX trijet, currently the top-of-the-line Falcon Jet. The DX can fly between Geneva and Detroit; Athens and White Plains; Caracas and Le Bourget; or Chicago-Palwaukee and Rome.
“The Falcon 900DX offers tremendous value to our customers,” said John Rosanvallon, Dassault Falcon Jet, president and CEO. The Falcon 900DX, though, will compete head-on with the $28 million Gulfstream 350, an aircraft capable of flying eight passengers 3,800 nmi at 0.80 Mach. Rosanvallon countered that the DX will burn 40% less fuel than some competitors on equal length missions. “This is something all customers are conscious of in a time when crude oil is topping $50 per barrel and jet fuel prices are soaring.”
It should be noted, though, that business jet operators typically fly only 450 to 650 hours per year. However, the Falcon 900DX offers the best airport performance in class and arguably the nicest flying qualities.
Ten-plus DX aircraft are on the production line and certification is expected for third quarter 2005. Initial customer deliveries are slated for end-of-year. Dassault officials declined to quote the number of DX orders. — Fred George
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