Dassault Aviation Welcomes First Falcon 6X Production Aircraft To Little Rock Completion Center
Dassault Aviation’s first production Falcon 6X (internally referred to as “serial number 5”) arrived at the French aviation company’s Falcon completion center in Little Rock, Arkansas, in late January, setting the stage for the all-new extra-widebody executive jet to receive type certification and enter service later this year. Prior to the aircraft’s arrival, Dassault implemented numerous, advanced digital technologies at the facility to streamline completions and made ready a state-of-the-art hangar.
A Positive Milestone
Dassault ferried the Falcon 6X to the 1.25 million-square-foot (116,130-square-meter) Little Rock facility from its Merignac production facility in France, where initial assembly on all Falcon jets occurs. Preparations ahead of the Falcon 6X’s arrival included a dedicated Falcon 6X technical response team performing robustness and cycle testing on manufacturing equipment and components. Additionally, engineers created processes that make one-shot installation on interiors possible. Completions-related technologies in place include a dedicated “virtual plateau” that can display any aircraft system or component using Dassault’s proprietary 3D design software.
“The arrival of the first Falcon 6X at Little Rock marks a very positive milestone in this program,” says Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “Our teams have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare for 6X completion, and we are benefiting from very good momentum as we move towards certification.”
Coming Soon, A World Tour
Dassault introduced the Falcon 6X in 2018 as the first ultra-widebody business jet, and claims the 16-passenger aircraft’s 5,500-nautical-mile (10,186-kilometer) range at Mach 0.80 is best-in-class. Dassault also boasts the Falcon 6X has the quietest cabin in the sky, the most advanced cabin filtration and circulation systems, and the most interior space in its segment. The award-winning cabin is available in multiple configurations, and includes 30 extra-large windows and sky lighting. The cabin measures 40.4 feet (12.3 meters) long by 6.5 ft. (1.98 m) high by 8.5 ft. (2.59 m) wide.
The Falcon 6X’s maiden flight took place in March 2021. Dassault expects to fly the fourth test aircraft in the aircraft’s flight program before April, after which Dassault will send it on a world tour to demonstrate the readiness of the aircraft’s systems. The jet’s Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D engine has already received Transport Canada certification, and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifications are expected soon. The aircraft also boasts a new, advanced wing design with a curved trailing edge that helps it achieve a top cruise speed of Mach 0.90.
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Source: Dassault Aviation