Phases of flight
Dassault announce the successful first flight of the
Falcon 6X.
12 March 2021
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Dassault Aviation’s successful completion of the company’s widebody Falcon 6X confirms the program progression while also opening the model to certification following a test campaign.
“Today’s flight is another milestone in Dassault history, made all the more satisfying by the remarkable efforts of the entire Dassault organisation and its partners over the challenging past year,” said Dassault Aviation Chairman/CEO Eric Trappier.
“We dedicate today’s achievement to Olivier Dassault, who died tragically on Sunday. Olivier was a Falcon pilot who perfectly embodied his family’s boundless passion for aviation,” Trappier added.
With test pilots Bruno Ferry and Fabrice Valette at its controls, aircraft 6X s/n 01 lifted off from Dassault Aviation’s Mérignac plant near Bordeaux. This two and a half hour maiden flight was executed per the test plan, the pilots testing aircraft handling qualities, engine response, and key aircraft systems’ behaviour.
The aircraft topped out at 40 000 ft and reached a speed of M0.8 before returning to its base.
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“The 6X is the latest example of the fusion of military know-how and business aviation expertise for which Dassault Aviation is so respected,” said Trappier.
“The new capabilities in efficiency, performance and safety it offers will set a new benchmark in the long-range segment. This aeroplane will also set a new standard in terms of cabin comfort and spaciousness, as demanded by our customers.”
Ferry later added: “The 6X flew exactly as predicted by our models. From a pilot’s perspective, it flies like a Falcon, which is to say with perfect, precise handling in all phases of flight.”
“Fabrice and I are honoured to have made the latest first flight in another fantastic Falcon.”
Serial number 01’s next flight will combine test activities with a hop to the French commune of Istres, located near Marseilles, where the Dassault flight test centre is located, and the bulk of the testing program will take place. Falcon 6X s/n 02 and 03 are scheduled to take to the air in the coming months.
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