Dassault Falcon 6X Completes First Flight

Dassault Aviation announced on March 10, 2021, that its widebody Falcon 6X business jet successfully completed its first flight. The flight, which lasted approximately two and a half hours, took off from the company's Mérignac facility near Bordeaux and proceeded as planned. During the flight, the aircraft reached an altitude of 40,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.8 before returning to its base.

Pilots Bruno Ferry and Fabrice Valette reported that the aircraft handled exactly as predicted, describing its flight characteristics as precise and typical of a Falcon. This successful first flight officially opens the test campaign for the new aircraft, which aims to achieve certification.

The Falcon 6X is designed to set a new standard in the ultra-long-range business jet segment, featuring the widest and tallest cabin in its class. It offers an intercontinental range of 5,500 nautical miles, enabling nonstop flights such as London to Hong Kong. The aircraft is powered by new-generation Pratt & Whitney PW812D engines, designed for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Further innovations include an advanced digital flight control system and Dassault's FalconEye combined vision system for enhanced safety and situational awareness. The aircraft will also incorporate the FalconScan advanced diagnostics system. Following its initial flight, the Falcon 6X will proceed to Istres for the main portion of its testing program. Two additional test aircraft are scheduled to fly in the coming months.