Dassault's Falcon jet family originated with the Mystère 20's first flight in 1963, quickly securing a substantial order from Pan Am, which also influenced its design and helped form Falcon Jet Corporation.
The Mystère 20, later known as the Falcon 20, proved instrumental in the aviation industry, forming the basis for FedEx's fledgling overnight freight service in 1971.
Over its 50-year history, the Falcon line evolved significantly, introducing innovative models like the long-range Falcon 50 and the first computer-designed executive aircraft, the Falcon 2000.
Dassault continues to develop the Falcon series, having delivered its 2000th jet in 2009 and recently certifying improved models such as the Falcon 2000LXS with enhanced short-field capabilities.
A look back through the 50-year history of Dassault’s family of Falcon jets.
On May 4, 1963, the Mystère 20 prototype took off on its first flight. The Pan Am delegation, headed by Charles Lindbergh (fourth from the right), was photographed beside the aircraft just before.Pan Am participated in the final design process of the Mystère 20 and ordered 40 of the airplanes with options for another 120 in 1963, two years before the airplane received French and European certification. In 1972, Pan Am and Dassault set up a joint venture called Falcon Jet Corporation to help reach other overseas markets. Dassault later bought out Pan Am’s share and the company’s name was changed to Dassault Falcon Jet.FedEx chose the Mystère 20 — later known as the Falcon 20 — as the basis for the fledgling overnight freight service back in 1971.Falcon 50, introduced in 1976, was designed to carry 8-10 passengers across the U.S. or over the Atlantic non-stop.The Falcon 2000, a smaller development of the twin jet Falcon 900, was the first computer-designed executive aircraft. It first flew on March 4, 1993.The Dassault Falcon 7X was first introduced to the public at the 2005 Paris Air Show. The business jet made its maiden flight a month before in Bordeaux-Merignac, France.In July 2009, the company handed out its 2000th Falcon jet to Koç Holding of Turkey.The Falcon 2000LX was designed to fly up to 4,000 nm at Mach .80.The Falcon 2000LXS became a replacement for the 2000LX in October 2012. The jet features improved short-field capability thanks to the addition of full-length inboard slats on the wing. Last month, the FAA granted certification for Dassault’s Falcon 2000S and 2000LXS.
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