Dassault Falcon 10X Completes Successful First Flight

Dassault Aviation successfully completed the first flight of its flagship Falcon 10X business jet from the manufacturer’s facilities in Bordeaux-Mérignac. The ultra-long-range, wide-body aircraft flew for two and a half hours, reaching 40,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.82, according to the manufacturer.

How did the first flight of the Falcon 10X proceed?

The aircraft took off at 11:10 hours, piloted by Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and copilot Fabrice Dougnac. According to Dassault Aviation, the flight allowed the crew to evaluate aircraft systems and maneuverability at 15,000 feet.

The pilots later retracted the landing gear and control surfaces. This enabled the jet to reach an altitude of 40,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.82. Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated that the inaugural flight represents a “new milestone” reflecting the expertise of design, production, and flight test teams.

Did You Know? The Falcon 10X is the largest aircraft ever manufactured by Dassault Aviation, featuring a cabin length of 16.4 meters, excluding the cockpit and luggage compartment.

Why is the Falcon 10X significant for the industry?

The Falcon 10X enters the market as an ultra-long-range jet with a flight autonomy of 15 hours. Dassault Aviation reports the aircraft can cover distances of nearly 14,000 km with a high speed of approximately Mach 0.925.

Dassault Falcon 10X Just Took Its First Flight

The manufacturer specifies that the cabin dimensions—2.03 meters in height and 2.77 meters in width—are superior to those of the Gulfstream G700/G800 and the Bombardier Global 7400/8000. To achieve this performance, the jet utilizes two Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines, which were designed specifically for this model.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by positioning the 10X with larger cabin dimensions than the G800 and Global 8000, Dassault is directly challenging the established hierarchy of the ultra-long-range executive market. The reliance on a bespoke engine from Rolls-Royce suggests a strategy focused on maximizing specific efficiency for this airframe.

What happens next for the 10X program?

Dassault Aviation indicates that a second test aircraft, identified as F-WNXT and previously presented on March 10, may soon follow the first. A third aircraft is also planned for the program.

This third plane is likely to be equipped with a full cabin. According to the manufacturer, it could be used primarily to test the reliability and functionality of the cabin and its integrated systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who piloted the inaugural flight of the Falcon 10X?
The flight was piloted by Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and copilot Fabrice Dougnac.

What are the performance specifications of the Falcon 10X?
The aircraft has a flight autonomy of 15 hours, a range of nearly 14,000 km, and a high speed of approximately Mach 0.925.

How does the cabin size compare to other executive jets?
Dassault Aviation states the cabin dimensions are superior to the Gulfstream G700/G800 and the Bombardier Global 7400/8000.

How do you think increased cabin size will impact the choice of ultra-long-range business jets?