Dassault Aviation launches newest addition to the Falcon family in the ultra long range category, the Falcon 8X

Dassault Aviation launched the Falcon 8X, the newest addition to the Falcon family in the ultra long range category. The Falcon 8X will offer a range of 6,450 nm (11,945 km) and will feature the longest cabin of any Falcon. Moreover, it will offer the same low operating economics and the remarkable operating flexibility for which all Falcons are known. “The Falcon 8X will be our new flagship and a great complement to our product line,” announced Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier. “It builds on Dassault expertise in aerodynamics, in precision design and manufacturing, and in advanced digital flight controls. It embodies the best of Falcons that have come before with the most capability of any Falcon ever.” “With two new aircraft in development, the 5X and 8X, Dassault will now be able to offer a family of six jets designed to meet the widest possible range of operator needs at the upper end of the business jet spectrum,” added Trappier. With eight passengers and three crew, the Falcon 8X will be capable of flying 6,450 nm non-stop at M.80. It will be powered by an improved version of the Pratt and Whitney Canada PW307 engine that equips the Falcon 7X. Combined with improvements to wing design, the new power plant will make the 8X up to 35% more fuel efficient than any other aircraft in the ultra-long range segment, affording a corresponding savings in operating costs. The Falcon 8X is expected to have a balanced field length of about 6,000 ft (1,829 m) and an approach speed of 106 kts (197 kph) at typical landing weight. First flight is expected in early 2015 with certification in the middle of 2016 and initial deliveries before the end of 2016. The Falcon 8X is already at an advanced stage of production with the first airframe expected to be assembled at Dassault’s Bordeaux-Merignac, France facility in the coming months. An extensive expansion project at Dassault’s Little Rock, Arkansas facility will break ground shortly, enabling it to accommodate completion of the new Falcon 8X and Falcon 5X models.