Duncan Aviation’s full-service MRO facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, has delivered a refurbished Falcon 2000EX. Highlights of the paint and interior project include silk carpet, new PSU overlay panels and streamlined drinkrails.
The clients liked the aesthetics of their Falcon 7X, so senior lead designer Stephanie Kuhn assembled several materials and paint scheme options that reflected those preferences while ensuring a unique identity tailored specifically for the Falcon 2000.
The carpet is the most defining part of the interior. The field is 100% silk with a marbled, soft appearance. “Typically, carpets feature a flatter tone or incorporate accents of silk,” said Kuhn. “In this case, the silk covering the entire field provides a shimmer effect and serves as a prominent focal point.”
The company said that silk, while more delicate than traditional wool carpet, still maintains durability. “Silk carpet often exhibits a marbled, natural appearance,” Kuhn said. “Appreciating its natural beauty is key because silk fibres naturally resist laying uniformly in one direction.”
PSU overlay panels
The team incorporated Duncan Aviation-designed, one-piece PSU overlay panels and modernised the drinkrails to create a new look in the cabin that is also functional.
They developed the PSU overlay panels for a new look and to integrate with existing or new LED lighting. The new recessed areas have a radiused design and are covered in the same material as the PSU overlay.
The new drinkrails were designed to have a streamlined profile. The existing cupholders were relocated to fit the new lid that accommodates the cabin switch panels.
The owners wanted more aisle clearance and a clearer pathway between the conference table and the settee. Duncan Aviation said that by reducing the thickness on the settee’s backrest and streamlining the design, the team was able to provide two more inches in the aisle without sacrificing seating area or comfort.
The details
The plating coordinates with the veneer. Black pearl satin is featured on metal surfaces like latches, lights, air vents, faucets, sinks and cupholders.
The new fabric on the window panels was chosen to enhance the space with a soft texture. The team applied a soil protectant to give the material liquid-repellent properties. The blue leather lower sidewalls coordinate with the accent yarn in the carpet and complement the exterior paint stripe.
New composite brown, ebony veneer was used on the drinkrails, tabletops, galley and lavatory. Meanwhile new polycarbonate on the galley and lavatory slider doors has a soft linen texture intended to provide an opaque look to the illuminated compartments.
The grain of the solid surface galley and lavatory countertops offers a marbled appearance, chosen to provide a stylish alternative to natural materials.
The project also entailed the installation of new Prizm LED lighting, USB ports, Collins’ Venue CMS, and the Alto Technology sound system.
Kuhn initially presented a few options for the new paint design. After selecting their favourite elements from the different designs, Kuhn used the client’s input to reimagine the possibilities and create a final design that incorporated everything the client desired. The new paint features sweeping stripes in blue, navy and silver grey.
“From the upgrades in the build, layered with newer, contemporary details and materials, we breathed new life into the aircraft,” said Tracey Boesch, senior modifications and sales rep. “It was really a treat to see the before and after. It’s always a fun and enjoyable process, and I have to remind myself to take it all in. Typically, we get the project done, take photos, then it’s on to the next one. I took an extra moment to linger and enjoy the great artisanship our teams performed on this aircraft.”