Mon, May 19, 2008
Focus On Fuel Efficiency For 900EX Replacement
During Monday's pre-show activities at EBACE2008 in Geneva,
Dassault announced the 900LX, the next member of the efficient
family of Falcon business jets. The Falcon 900LX will be built on
the same platform as the Falcon 900EX EASy but will feature
winglets and an extended range to 4,800 nautical miles.
Certification is expected in the first half of 2010.
The Falcon 900LX will be available for deliveries starting
mid-2010, and will replace the Falcon 900EX.
"The 900LX will make one of the most popular Falcon series much
more capable, economical and environmentally responsible to operate
-- an issue that means more today than ever before," said John
Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. "Our customers
have been telling us that efficiency is becoming a bigger part of
the decision making process when acquiring a business jet. The
900LX will be the most efficient airplane in its class even more
so."
Following initial flight testing, the Falcon 900LX's improved
wing aerodynamics demonstrated a reduction in drag by as much as
7%, offering corresponding range and efficiency improvements over
the Falcon 900EX. The climb performance will be also improved by
10% and the airplane will be capable to reach FL390 in just 20
minutes. The 900LX will feature 55-70% better efficiency than other
airplanes in its class.
Stronger wing reinforcements due to higher wing loading are
necessary to accommodate the winglets which were originally
designed by Aviation Partners (API) for the Falcon 2000EX program.
Some systems' changes are necessary to accommodate the new
configuration. Dassault Falcon and API's intent is to propose a
retrofit program for in-service Falcon 900 operators.
The aircraft comes standard with the award-winning EASy flight
deck. The EASy flight deck is designed to reduce pilot workload and
improve pilot interaction through elevated situational awareness in
the cockpit. Today, over 215 EASy equipped aircraft are in
operation.
The Falcon 900LX will be powered by the same Honeywell TFE731-60
engines as the 900EX. Each of the three turbofans is rated at 5,000
lbs of thrust (ISA + 17C), and the Falcon unique three-engine
configuration offers significant benefits in runway performance and
added security on long over-water flights.
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