Dassault Falcon 8X

Summary

Description

Dassault Aviation launched the FNX, later named the Falcon 7X, at the 2001 Paris Air Show. The aircraft was designed to achieve a 10,500 km range at Mach 0.88. Key design features included a new, longer high-speed wing and a fuselage stretched by 20% compared to the Falcon 900EX. The aircraft's design aimed to optimize cost and weight while improving the lift-to-drag ratio. The Pratt & Whitney PW307A engine, providing 6,100 lbf of thrust, was selected to power the aircraft. Honeywell, Parker Hannifin, and TRW Aeronautical Systems participated in the project as risk-sharing partners. The Falcon 7X incorporates fly-by-wire controls and a Honeywell Primus Epic-based EASy cockpit. The first flight occurred on 5 May 2005 from Bordeaux-Merignac, marking the beginning of a 1,200-hour flight test program. The Falcon 7X received its type certification from both the FAA and EASA on 27 April 2007, with the first aircraft entering service on 15 June 2007.

The Falcon 7X is configured as a three-engined cantilever monoplane. Its design is characterized by a low-positioned, highly swept wing, a horizontal stabilizer located at mid-height, and a retractable tricycle landing gear system. Power is supplied by three rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney PW307A turbofan engines; two are mounted on the sides of the fuselage, and one is in a center position. The aircraft is certified for a capacity of up to 19 passengers and requires 3 crew members. It was the first production Falcon jet to incorporate winglets and holds the distinction of being the first fully fly-by-wire business jet. The cockpit is equipped with the Honeywell Primus Epic "Enhanced Avionics System" (EASy), previously utilized on the Falcon 900EX and Falcon 2000EX models. The aircraft's design was entirely accomplished using computer-aided design tools, employing Dassault Systèmes' CATIA and PLM products. Cabin noise levels are maintained below 50 dBA through the use of special engine mounts and cabin isolators.

The Falcon 7X is primarily utilized as a civilian business jet. The type is not typically equipped with offensive military weaponry. However, a militarized variant, the Falcon 8X Archange, is under development for the French Air and Space Force for strategic intelligence, SIGINT (signals intelligence), and electronic warfare roles. This variant features the Capacité Universelle de Guerre Électronique (CUGE), developed by Thales, incorporating multi-polarization antennas and artificial intelligence technologies capable of simultaneously detecting and analyzing radio emissions and radar signals.

The Falcon 7X is deployed across various sectors, including governmental, military, corporate, and private operations globally. The Royal Australian Air Force operates three leased Falcon 7X aircraft for VVIP missions. Air forces in countries including Belgium, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, and Nigeria employ the aircraft for various transport duties. In France, two Falcon 7X aircraft are part of the presidential and governmental transport fleet since 2009. The Republic of the Congo utilized a Falcon 7X for presidential transport until its auction in 2023.

Main Variants:

• Falcon 7X: The original model, a long-range business jet with a range of 5,950 nautical miles.

• Falcon 8X: A derivative of the 7X with an extended range of 6,450 nautical miles achieved through engine optimization and increased fuel capacity.

• Falcon 8X Archange: A militarized variant of the Falcon 8X, designed for SIGINT and electronic warfare, equipped with advanced sensors and processing capabilities.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	France	0 (+3)

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

France