M A L A C H I T E
I S S U E
•
n° 2 2 •
2 0 2 0
[ FLY ]
WELCOME ON BOARD Dassault’s Falcon 6X, scheduled to enter service in 2022, is a new business jet offering exciting levels of space and comfort. The French company’s latest model looks set to shake up the long range private jet market by Sergio Barlocchetti ph.courtesy of Dassault
44
A
t a price of just under 50 million dollars, it’s the top business aircraft in its class high-end jets with widened fuselage - and it will mark the French manufacturer’s return to twin engines after the launch of the three-jet 7X and 8X in the last twelve
years. The programme for the new Falcon 6X began in 2018, replacing the 5X project cancelled because of problems with the Silvercrest engines. The decision was taken to use new Pratt Whitney Canada PW812D (the D stands for Dassault), and the aircraft will make its first flight next year with its introduction into service set for 2022. It’s a new development, as while Dassault has already exploited its experience in military aircraft by introducing innovations in aerodynamics and flight controls for their civil models, up until now in terms of interior design the company has always remained wedded to the established preferences of the North American market, its main target. As result it was high time to re-examine interior comfort and ergonomics by using more modern materials
45
[ FLY ]
and techniques, enabling passengers to enjoy a quieter flight, lighting
is 51,000 ft) the cabin pressure in the 6X is the equivalent of the air
quality similar to natural levels provided by a skylight and thirty large
pressure at 3,900 feet, similar to that experienced in mountain areas,
windows, a full range of connectivity options including the ability to
but not above 1,300 metres. The extreme efficiency of the pressurisation
manage interior lighting and climatisation from an iPhone, and above
system means that long flights can be undertaken without fatigue.
all a generous provision of usable space – the cabin is 198 cm high and
The air filtration and circulation system is another new feature, making
258 cm wide. As for the furnishings, while it’s still possible to specify
breathing easier as the entire volume is totally renewed every three
seats arranged in parallel rows this layout has been replaced by a single
minutes. Sound levels are among the lowest experienced on jets, below
flowing space with no brusque interruptions and the opportunity to
the level of a normal conversation – this too, means passengers can
use seating and tables in a more functional format. The Falcon 6X
arrive at their destination without feeling too tired, especially after a
offers exceptional performance, with a range of over 10,000 km and an
five- or six-hour flight. Cockpit development began around twenty-
impressive top speed (Max Operating Mach 0.90). It can also land on
five years ago with the introduction of the “Easy” system, which
runways less than 800 metres in length. To achieve this the company
now provides the two pilots with a reduced workload and maximum
has focussed its research on latest-generation aerodynamic profiles,
situation awareness. No parameter takes more than a second to consult
allowing an aircraft with a maximum landing weight of 30 tonnes to
on the screens, enhancing safety. All in all, anyone ordering a Falcon
adopt a slow approach to the field, touching down at around 200 km
6X can expect an innovative aircraft that after its introduction will
per hour. What’s more, while the aircraft is flying at high altitudes,
make all its rivals look out-of-date.
typically around 41,000 feet (although the certification maximum
www.dassaultfalcon.com
46
No parallel lines in the cabin, as they have been eliminated in favour of a modern-style interior with flowing, uninterrupted lines that enhance the feeling of space. The thirty generous windows provide almost natural lighting. The Falcon 6X has a range of 10,000 km and can land on runways shorter than 800 metres
47