A FALCON FOR ALL SEASONS

THE ROLLOUT OF THE FALCON 6X PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON ITS ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND BIG CABIN

The Covid-19 pandemic hit the world hard in 2020, especially the aviation sector. Aircraft companies suddenly found their timelines delayed for the rollout of new jets and their first flights. As the world despaired, work came to a halt. Dassault’s 6X programme too was hit and the expected year-end rollout was in doubt.

But as Dassault and its partners’ supplier base rallied, safety precautions were put in place to protect workers and resume international collaboration. Parts and structures began flying into Bordeaux-merignac (France) where the final assembly team was stationed. Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Canada also commenced flight-testing of the PW812D engine to be used on the 6X.

And on December 8, 2020, the doors of Charles Lindbergh Hall in Saint-cloud were opened to reveal Dassault’s newest and most advanced aircraft, the Falcon 6X. A delighted Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO, said at a live-streamed rollout on that day: “We have faced an unprecedented challenge, but working with our partners up and down the supply chain, we have been resilient.” Many customers and operators logged on to see the beauty. Trappier said: “The Falcon 6X represents a major step forward for large-cabin business jet operators. Its award-winning cabin — the tallest and widest in business aviation — provides levels of spaciousness, comfort, productivity and safety that will set a new benchmark in the long-range segment.” The ground test programme and extensive systems checks will be performed before the first flight, scheduled in early 2021.

The Falcon 6X reflects the ultimate evolution of Dassault’s aircraft heritage. It integrates the best features from its business and fighter aircraft expertise to create the longest-range jet with unparalleled passenger comfort, maximum mission flexibility and the most advanced cockpit technologies.

The Falcon 6X is a unique success story. Its range is 10,186 kms and it can connect many business aviation destinations non-stop. It can fly unrefueled from Los Angeles to Moscow or from Beijing to San Francisco. It can routinely slip in and out of smaller airports, even those with runways under 1,200 m. The approach speed is as low as 109 knots, about the same as small turboprops.

In addition, it has the largest cabin crosssection of any business jet--1.98 m tall, 2.58 m wide and 12.30 m in length. It can comfortably seat up to 16 people. This will lead to more productivity: for collaborating, working and sleeping on long flights. In addition, its great styling helped it get the 2020 International Yacht & Aviation award for interior design.

There is also individual seating in three separate lounge areas. The extra width also means a 5-inch wider aisle as compared to previous Falcons. Multiple configurations are also possible and options include a large entryway, a crew rest area and a spacious rear lounge, affording greater privacy when desired.

Cabin air is refreshed continuously for an environment that is 10 times cleaner than today’s most advanced office buildings and “cabin altitude” pressurisation is maintained at a very comfortable level. So passengers arrive at their destination refreshed. The 6X also has 30 extra-large windows allowing a lot of natural light to seep in. Its adjustable interior lighting palette can create sunrise and sunset effects, thereby helping biorhythms to adjust to multiple time zones. It also has a skylight (a first in business aviation) in the galley area.

The 6X cabin is also incredibly quiet. Highspeed connectivity is achieved with service options that include a Ka-band satellite connection. Its most advanced fly-by-wire flight control system allows the flight to be smooth and dampens bumps during turbulence.

Coming to the 6X’s digital flight controls, they impart ultra-precise handling qualities and reduce pilot workload during critical flight phases such as maneouvering near airports. Dassault’s Falconeye combined vision system further enhances safety and gives a view of the terrain in pitch darkness and all-weather conditions, making it safer to operate when nearing or departing airports and allowing approaches down to 100 ft before picking up natural runway cues.

Presently, most of the ground and flight tests on the 6X’s PW812D engine have been completed, including bird ingestion, icing and blade-off tests. Flight testing includes 300 hours aboard P&W’S Boeing 747 test bed where the engine is mounted just behind the cockpit, away from the 747s other engines. This engine has improvements in fuel consumption and emissions and requires 40% less maintenance and 20% fewer inspections than other engines in its class.

The 6X is also easier to maintain due to the Falconscan. This diagnostic tool has an onboard server that collects data on 1,00,000 parameters and identifies faults, communicates them to the ground and recommends corrective procedure through a Dassault-patented algorithm.

The cockpit too has more headroom than any other aircraft and 30% more window space for greater situational awareness. The pilot seats recline to 130 degrees, and the broader cockpit allows entry and egress without climbing across the centre console.

So the Falcon 6X seems to be a winning proposition.