Dassault’s Falcon 8X Completes First Flight

Dassault Aviation's new Falcon 8X completed its first flight this week from the company's Bordeaux-Merignac facility in France and is on target for certification in mid-2016. Two test pilots completed the first of a series of flight and systems tests that will be followed with a second and third 8X, scheduled to fly in the coming months, Dassault said. The three Falcons will run through a flight test program expected to last around 500 hours. The third aircraft will go to Dassault's facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, mid-year for interior completion and systems tests.

"Today we reached a key milestone in the Falcon 8X program, and are right on target for mid-2016 certification and second half 2016 deliveries," said Eric Trappier, Dassault chairman and CEO."The new Falcon has been well received in the marketplace." Dassault Aviation introduced the 8X in May 2014 as its new "ultra long range" flagship business jet. It builds on the popular 7X long-range trijet and will offer arange of 6,450 nm and a cabin 3.5 feet longer than the 7X, carrying eight passengers and three crew. It also has a more efficient wing and upgradedPratt & Whitney Canada engines, competing with Gulfstream's new long-range G650ER, also introduced in 2014.