Dassault Aviation's new Falcon 6X is entering the final phase of its certification flight test campaign with EASA and the FAA, laying the groundwork for the business jet to enter service in mid-2023.
“The 6X has stood out as an extremely outstanding aircraft, navigating its certification campaign and consistently impressing pilots and engineers with its impeccable performance.”, said Eric Trappier, President and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “Soon, it will also impress customers.”
Last summer, one of the three flight test aircraft underwent hot weather testing in the Tunisian desert. These tests, performed in temperatures up to 48°C, were intended to confirm that the aircraft could function properly in high temperatures and with adequate cooling while flying circuits over the desert at 10.000 feet (3.048 m).
They complemented cold immersion tests conducted last winter in northern Canada to demonstrate safe operation in ultra-cold temperatures as low as -38°C.
High-altitude flight tests at a range of 9.070 feet (2.764 m) in Telluride, Colorado were also successfully completed.
In August, the aircraft's 812-pound thrust Pratt & Whitney 13.500D engine received EASA certification. FAA approval is pending. A full flight simulator went live at CAE Burgess Hill in the UK and will be ready to start training 6X customer crews in April.
The toughest test of all – the real world
At the end of July, the first 6X landed after a demonstration campaign around the world designed to show the full maturity and reliability of the aircraft's systems. The campaign included 50 flights across five continents and covered 50.000 nautical miles.
“The tour was a rigorous real-world test to ensure that Dassault can deliver a mature product with full operational readiness of all systems from day one”, said Trappier. “Pilots gave all systems, including new features of the EASy IV flight deck, high marks and performance rated 'spot on'.”
Connectivity during the demo flight was reported to be excellent, even on the most remote legs of the tour. In-flight measurements and enger reactions confirmed that the 6X will be the quietest Falcon yet.
The 6X operated at a fast pace, logging up to five flights on some days. The longest leg of the tour was Paris to Los Angeles, flying in 11 hours and 25 minutes. The flight, which covered 5.150 nautical miles against strong headwinds, was completed with full fuel reserves.
The 19th Falcon 6X is currently on the final assembly line and three customer aircraft are being completed at Dassault's Little Rock, Arkansas facility.
