EBACE: Dassault returns to Super Midsize market with new Falcon launch

Dassault's entry-level jet was previously the Falcon 50 class and a replacement has been mooted for several years since production ended in 2007.

The new model will offer category-leading payload, range, performance and efficiency, said John Rosanvallon, president and chief executive of Dassault Falcon at today's launch at EBACE in Geneva.

The 3,350 nm range  Falcon 2000S will feature inboard slats, high-Mach blended winglets, a new generation PW308C engine that produces fewer emissions, an entirely new BMW Group DesignworksUSA interior and redesigned cockpit aesthetics along with the next-generation EASy II flight deck. It is expected to be certified in the end of 2012 with deliveries beginning in early 2013.

“After speaking with our customers and performing a thorough market study, our research confirmed that the ideal platform for a wide-body business jet in this range segment was indeed our very successful Falcon 2000,” Rosanvallon said. 

“We optimised the platform with a long list of standard options, cutting edge technology and industry leading features with the Falcon 2000S. Our proudest accomplishment, though, was designing an aircraft that burns 10% less fuel than aircraft 20% smaller while offering a very competitive price.”

With full fuel, the Falcon 2000S will have the largest payload in its class at 1,850 lbs; a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 41,000 lbs with a balanced field length of 4,450 feet which is up to 500 feet less than competing aircraft. and will manage city pairs such as Dubai to Geneva or New York to London.

At M.80, the Falcon 2000S will have a range of 3,350 nm (standard aircraft, 6 pax, NBAA IFR reserves, 85% Boeing Annual Winds) and will manage city pairs such as Dubai to Geneva or New York to London.  It will climb directly to 41,000 feet in 19 minutes, reach a mid-cruise altitude of 45,000 feet and offer a certified ceiling of 47,000 feet. The aircraft will also be able to land at 95% of its MTOW, or about 39,300 lbs enabling it to tanker more fuel.

Additionally, with an approach speed of only 108 knots and an advanced autobraking system, the Falcon 2000S will be capable of landing at airports with challenging and steep approaches and shorter runways such as London City Airport. At a typical end-of-flight profile, the Falcon 2000S will need just 2,600 feet of runway, or the equivalent length needed for a typical turboprop aircraft.

“The impressive performance characteristics of the Falcon 2000S are matched by the value it brings to the operator. By building on the Falcon 2000 platform, we were able to substantially reduce development costs which will benefit our customers with a very competitive acquisition price,” said Rosanvallon. “Not only is the cabin taller, wider and more elegant than competing aircraft, it will come equipped with a comprehensive list of standard equipment.”

The 2000S is available in a standard floor plan with seating for ten passengers, along with three elegant color and material schemes that Dassault has specially designed in collaboration with BMW Group DesignworksUSA. Dassault and DesignworksUSA also collaborated on the award-winning interior option for the Falcon 7X.

Along with its unique styling, the Falcon 2000S will be delivered standard with a new Rockwell Collins Cabin Management System that places more controls and convenience into the hands of its passengers making the transition from the office to the aircraft as seamless as possible. In addition to saving weight, the new system will provide high definition viewing for Blu-ray media on wide-screen monitors of up to 19 inches. Functions can be controlled anywhere in the aircraft via an iPod Touch or iPhone with a special application that allows control of video playback, operation of the optional electronic window shades and adjustments to lights and temperature, among others.

The AirCell Axxess II Satcom System will be included as a standard feature. The Falcon 2000S will be delivered standard with EASy II in the cockpit.

Thrust on the 2000S is provided by two Pratt & Whitney 308C engines proven on the Falcon 2000EX/LX which will provide 7,000 lbs max thrust each at ISA+15°C. However, the newest generation of this engine is even more environmentally friendly due to a new TALON II combustor. It produces 20% fewer NOx emissions than the previous generation, without any penalty in power. It will also be 40% greener than required by the CAEP/6 regulations being planned for future implementation.