Dassault’s all-new Falcon 6X long-range business jet entered service on November 30.
Dassault announced the then-unnamed business jet in December 2017, in the wake of the company’s cancellation of the development of a previous aircraft, the Falcon 5X. The 5X had run into difficulties with its engine, the developmental Safran Silvercrest.
Dubbed the Falcon 6X in February 2018, the new aircraft made its first flight in March 2021. Dassault conducted the Falcon 6X flight test campaign with three aircraft. The 6X was awarded type certification in August 2023 by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). After certification, the 6X received post-certification upgrades, related to its fuel tanks, that required approval from EASA.
The Falcon 6X is powered by a pair of 13,500-lbst Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D turbofan engines. It is equipped with Dassault’s EASy IV flight deck, which is based on Honeywell Primus Epic avionics. The 6X can accommodate 12-16 passengers. Maximum operating speed is Mach 0.90. Range with eight passengers and NBAA IFR reserves is 5,500 nautical miles.
The Falcon 6X is marketed by Dassault as an “extra widebody” business jet. The aircraft’s spacious cabin, measuring 1,843 cubic feet in volume, is a major selling point for the new jet. Operators looking to combine a high level of cabin comfort and interior flexibility with long range and impressive short-field capability are sure to give serious consideration to the 6X.
The Gulfstream G500 is perhaps the most direct sales competitor to the Falcon 6X. Some potential customers might also take a look at the Bombardier Global 5500.
Raymond Jaworowski currently co-authors three of Forecast International's best-selling products: Civil Aircraft Forecast, Military Aircraft Forecast, and Rotorcraft Forecast. As a contributor to Aviation Week & Space Technology's Aerospace Source Book, he has authored Aircraft Outlooks, and provided input for the publication's Aircraft Specifications tables. Raymond has represented Forecast International at numerous conferences and trade shows, often as a featured speaker. He is a member of the American Helicopter Society.
