THIS FALCON SOARS OVER ALL OTHERS
The world’s largest business jet will bring in new paradigm’s in design, technology and fuel efficiency The 10X is a super-sized 6X as the latter has the largest cabin cross section of any business jet
Competition among ultra-longrange jets just got tougher. With the launch of Dassault’s Falcon 10X 7,500nm-range business jet in May 2021, things just got bigger. This is the world’s largest business jet and has the most advanced avionics and tallest and widest cabin in its class. It is expected to be a competitor to the Gulfstream and Bombardier, and bring in new paradym in jet design, technology and fuel efficiency.
The $75 million Falcon 10X takes over from the 5X and 6X twinjet programmes. While the former was aborted, the latter is expected to enter service next year. The 10X is actually a super-sized 6X as the latter has the largest cabin cross section of any business jet. The 6X is eight and a half feet wide, six and a half feet high and over 40 feet long.
ARRIVAL IN 2025
The Falcon 10X is scheduled to arrive in 2025 and Chief Executive Eric Trappier reportedly said: “It will put us at the top of business jets.” Powered by twin Rolls-royce Pearl engines, the 10X will cruise at Mach 0.85, have a top speed of M0.925 and be able to access airports with steep approaches like London City. This is the first time that RR engines have been used on a Dassault business jet. However, the Pearl 10X had been initially selected by Bombardier for the Global 5500 and 6500, followed by the Pearl 700 for the G700. The Pearl-family engines offer a 5% reduction in fuel consumption over previous-generation engines and can operate on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. These large and powerful engines have over 18,000lb-thrust. Also, the jet is connected to a real-time health-and-usagemonitoring-and-diagnostic system called “Falconscan” which tracks over one lakh parametres to detect any faults.
The range is 13,900km, which matches that of the G700, but is 200nm short of the Global 7500. The cabin is designed for eight passengers and it can have four crew.
Its 110ft-wide carbon-fibre wing, which is larger than the Falcon 6X, has retractable high-lift devices. The jet is made of composite material to make it lighter, but the wing is made of carbon fibre.
SEAMLESS FLIGHT
With the ultra-range, passengers and crew will have to tolerate flights over 15 hours and Dassault has ensured that the flight experience is seamless. The cabin has, therefore, been designed to maximise passenger comfort and convenience. The flight deck too has undergone innovations to make the pilots alert at all times. It has a Smart Throttle, which means that you cannot shut down the wrong engine. This innovation is from the Rafale fighter jet. Along with this is a digital flight control system and fly-by-wire sidesticks. These are for flight path stability.
In order to make the work of the pilots easier, there is a simplified digital checklist and enhancements in the Falconeye combined vision system and a dual head-up display that allows either pilot to fly—and land— without referring to the instrument panel. Additionally, the overhead panel is slimmed down, with many switches now “virtualised” on touchscreen displays. Also, the jet has the capability to return to straight and level flight by the press of a switch. In order to make flying easier for the pilots, there is a fully lie-flat seat in the cockpit which can be used if regulations allow later on.
In addition, the Falcon 10X can accommodate four cabin zones of equal length but can be customised. There is enough space for a queen-size bed with a shower. There are 38 windows to allow light to flood in. These are 50% larger than those on the Falcon 8X.
SPACIOUS CABIN
The cabin is 2,780 cubic feet, which is 177 cubic feet more than the Gulfstream G650/700 offers, but six cubic feet less than the Bombardier Global 7500. Each zone in the cabin has its own temperature control and the dimensions of each zone can be easily changed. These come with unconventional-looking barrel-shaped seats. So there are no “joined at the hip” double seats that are seen in other largecabin bizjets. Passengers can also independently control communications, entertainment and lighting through a personal smart device app or small touchscreens at the seat positions.
It waits to be seen if this Falcon can soar over all others in times to come.