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Second Falcon 6X Takes Flight, Third on the Way

The next two platforms further expand the jet’s performance envelope.

The test program for Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 6X expanded further this spring, with more to come in short order. The second Falcon 6X test platform took flight on April 30, 2021, with the pilots reporting good results from the widebody, long-range jet. The two-hour flight pushed the aircraft up to Mach 0.85 and FL 400. The model’s first flight took place on March 10.

“We are very pleased with the progress of the Falcon 6X test program and remain confident of meeting its target 2022 certification date,” said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO for Dassault Aviation. “We now have two aircraft in the air. Each is performing as expected and showing a high level of systems maturity for this phase of the program. Several of our test pilots have flown the Falcon 6X. All are extremely satisfied with its performance and handling characteristics.”

Falcon 6X test platform exits the hangar at Mérignac, France.
The second Falcon 6X test platform exits the hangar at Mérignac, France. Dassault Aviation

The third test aircraft enters the flight program this summer, with a completed interior—its purpose to try out the new cabin systems and appointments on the jet, which include high-speed Ka-band internet infrastructure. A fourth aircraft is aimed at a global promotional tour, with a typical customer configuration, to “ensure it is fully mature when the Falcon 6X enters service,” according to the company.

Dassault has also launched the website debuting its new Falcon 10X, which was announced on May 6. The ultralong-range jet will be capable of 7,500-nm segments and speeds up to Mach 0.925.

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