Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 6X flight test campaign has progressed with the addition of a third aircraft. The company anticipates gaining certification for the new long-range extra widebody twin in 2022.
The third Falcon 6X is fitted with a full interior and will be used for cabin design validation. The aircraft completed a two-hour maiden flight from Dassault’s final assembly plant in Bordeaux-Mérignac, France, to its flight test facility in Istres, France, on 24 June 2021, climbing to flight level 400 and accelerating to a cruise speed of Mach 0.85.
The first 6X flew on 10 March 2021 and the second on 30 April 2021. The two test aircraft have accumulated more than 130 flight test hours, at a rate of two to three flights a week, and envelope expansion is now nearly complete.
“This latest flight is yet another sign of the smooth progress we have been making with the 6X test programme,” said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “We have been consistently impressed with the flight performance and handling of the 6X and the reliability of aircraft systems.”
Aircraft number three is outfitted with the Falcon 6X’s award-winning interior, including IFEC systems. In addition to testing this equipment, the aircraft will be used to evaluate environmental features and temperature control, and to validate cabin acoustics systems.
“The 6X is shaping up to become one of our great success stories, a new benchmark in flying performance and comfort,” said Philippe Duchateau, Dassault’s chief test pilot. “It’s a real joy to fly.”
A fourth aircraft will also be equipped with a full cabin interior – it’s currently being installed in Mérignac. It will conduct a two-month global endurance flight campaign intended to ensure that all 6X systems are fully mature upon entry into service. Production of additional units is in full swing, with aircraft number 10 scheduled to be on the final assembly line by the beginning of July 2021.
The Falcon 6X has received several design awards, including the Red Dot prize for premium cabin design.
The interior design of both the Falcon 6X and the Falcon 10X will be featured in the upcoming July 2021 edition of Business Jet Interiors International.
