FALCON 6X: CERTIFIED
After a two-year-long test campaign, Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 6X has received EASA and FAA Certification.
Altitudes Global has been closely following the advancement of Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 6X from the project’s inception back in 2017. Since the initial design was publicly unveiled in February 2018, the ultra-widebody twin aircraft has undergone rigorous testing during a two-year-long test campaign. Taking to the skies across the globe, the 6X test flights have logged over 1,500 flight hours in the harshest of climates. The result is the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued the type certificate for Dassault’s Falcon 6X, followed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“The certification of the Falcon 6X is a remarkable milestone for Dassault Aviation. We would like to recognise the EASA and FAA certification teams for their commitment in this demanding process and our customers for their confidence. The Falcon 6X is the first brand new business jet to comply with the latest regulations, which will enhance the safety and security of all new aircraft,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “The 5,500 nm / 10,200 km Falcon 6X combines the best qualities of Dassault Aviation’s world-leading business and fighter aircraft expertise to create the longest-range jet in its class with unparalleled passenger comfort and maximum mission flexibility.”
These certifications are a significant step on the path to entry into service for the Falcon 6X, with the first units undergoing final completion. Testing has been extensive and meticulous and came after the cancellation of the 5X project, primarily due to numerous delays in the development of the 5X’s Safran Silvercrest engines, which prompted the rapid development of the 6X.
ENGINE TESTING
The assembly of Falcon 6X engines and nacelles occurred concurrently with the aircraft production process. Subsequently, the initial airborne test took place aboard Pratt & Whitney’s Boeing 747 testbed aircraft. By February 2019, the PW812D engines of the 6X had undergone 120 hours of flight-testing, and three months later, these advanced engines had achieved a total of 1,000 hours in test time.
The PW800 series surpasses ICAO standards for NOx emissions by a substantial double-digit margin and produces extremely low levels of unburned hydrocarbons and smoke. The PW812D is designed to not only meet future CO2 regulations but also to exceed Stage 4 noise requirements by a significant margin.
INTERIOR SOLUTIONS
On January 31st, 2022, the Falcon completion center in Little Rock, Arkansas, received the first production 6X aircraft. In preparation for manufacturing, a specialized technical response team conducted rigorous robustness and cycle testing on various equipment and components.
The 6X is poised to establish a groundbreaking standard in cabin comfort, long-range performance, and flying efficiency within the industry. It boasts the most expansive cabin cross section among purpose-built business jets, setting new benchmarks. With a height of 1.98 metres and a width of 2.58 metres, the cabin offers an unmatched sense of spaciousness. The interior configuration options encompass a generous entryway, a crew rest area, and a roomy rear lounge, ensuring enhanced privacy, particularly during extended overnight flights that the aircraft is well-equipped for.
Measuring 12.30 metres in length, the 6X provides individual seating for 12-16 passengers across three distinct lounge areas. Even before its official rollout, the aircraft’s interior design has already earned accolades and acclaim. It recently secured the esteemed International Yacht & Aviation Award for its exceptional interior design.
The cabin’s upholstery features a selection of micro-perforated fabrics, woven textiles, and 3D fabrics, all carefully chosen to provide microbial protection and sound absorption. Materials and finishes are meticulously designed to either absorb or reflect light, creating a calming and enjoyable atmosphere for passengers. Smart-control mood lighting adapts color patterns to match the activity, time of day, and season, enhancing the overall onboard experience.
Range and speed: The 6X’s 5,500 nm (10,186 km) range and Maximum Mach Operating speed (MMO) of Mach .90 enable it to connect to most major business centers.
The cabin boasts an impressive 30 extra-large windows, offering nearly 5,000 square inches of glass – a feature unrivaled in its aircraft class. This abundant glass allows an influx of natural light, affording passengers breathtaking views of the earth below. Furthermore, a pioneering overhead skylight, a first in the realm of business aviation, illuminates what is typically a dim galley area.
Smooth. Precise. Safe: Not only does the Falcon 6X surround passengers in unsurpassed comfort, its advanced technologies, from breakthrough digital systems to near-perfect aerodynamics, create a flying experience like no other.
Like the Falcon 8X, the 6X will be the quietest cabin in the sky. Cabin air is refreshed continuously for an environment that is 10 times cleaner than today’s most advanced office buildings and “cabin altitude” pressurisation is maintained at a comfortable 1,189 metres, (3,900 feet), when cruising at 12,497 metres (41,000 feet).
