Trans-Atlantic Round Trip Displays Increased Performance, Efficiency

Premier Aircraft says a recent trans-Atlantic flight by a Falcon 50 modified with the company's 50Dash4 performance upgrade shows the upgrade results in increased performance on critical missions for the aircraft.

The aircraft, S/N 88, owned by West Star Aviation and piloted by Art Barth and Clarke Sloan, traveled from Springfield, IL (SPI) via Gander, Newfoundland (YQX) to Geneva Cointrin International Airport (SGG), Switzerland on May 17, 2008 where it was on static display at the EBACE air show. The aircraft was then flown back to Wichita Mid-Continent airport in Kansas (ICT) via Søndre Strømfjord Airport (SFJ), Greenland on May 23. There were six passengers and baggage on board for both crossings.

The 50Dash4 aircraft showed improvement in takeoff and climb, cruise and fuel burn over the original Falcon 50, on all legs of the flight. The 50Dash4 was up to 35 KTAS faster at cruising altitude, with the same fuel burn as a standard Falcon 50, and was up to 16 minutes quicker to initial cruise altitude, also with a lower fuel burn.

The flights also saw the aircraft cruise at FL400 -- a flight level the original Falcon 50 would not have achieved on this flight with the same number of passengers. The 50Dash4 was able to fly all legs (between 2200-2400 nm) at Mach .80+ while maintaining adequate fuel reserves against prevailing headwinds and ISA+10C conditions.

"This was a real-world test, and the results speak for themselves," said Jim Swehla, president of Premier Aircraft. "We set out to improve the range, cruise speed, and altitude performance over the original Falcon 50. We've achieved that, all with better fuel burn, which at today's fuel prices really saves money for the operator. With EASA certification pending and Stage 4 noise compliance, we feel the performance, cabin size and cost-effectiveness of the 50Dash4 should appeal to a broad range of step-up customers as well as Falcon 50 operators.

"The 50Dash4 is a super mid-size cabin aircraft that can fly 3000 nm at .8 Mach with four passengers and NBAA IFR reserves," Swelha noted.

FMI: www.50dash4.com