A third Falcon 6X entered Dassault Aviation’s flight test campaign.
The Falcon 6X made a two-hour maiden flight from Dassault’s final assembly plant in Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD) and its flight test center in Istres (QIE) on June 24, 2021. During the test flight, the aircraft climbed to flight level 400 and accelerating to a cruising speed of Mach 0.85.
“This latest flight is yet another sign of the smooth progress we have been making with the 6X test program,” said Eric Trappier, the 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.”
This third aircraft, designation s/n 003, is equipped with a complete interior and thus will be used for the validation of the cabin design. It will also be used to assess environmental features and temperature control and validate cabin acoustics systems.
The Falcon 6X was announced on February 28, 2018, after the cancellation of the Falcon 5X over the shortcomings of the Safran Silvercrest engine. Leaving behind this setback, Dassault Aviation promised to deliver a redefined business jet travel experience with a “major redesign” rather than a slightly changed 5X.
The long-range extra-large twin-jet business jet is scheduled to receive its certification in 2022.
(Credit: © Dassault Aviation – A. Daste)