Initial Subassemblies and Parts Underway as Testing Regimen Accelerates

Dassault Aviation announced the start of their ambitious new Falcon 10X’s initial production run, declaring the manufacture of long-lead parts for the upcoming ultra-long-range business jet.

“All the elements for another great Falcon are literally coming together in our various production facilities,” remarked Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “This new aircraft, the largest purpose-built business jet on the market, will embody the latest technology and set a new benchmark for passenger experience.”

First, Dassault has completed the landing gear, now completed and awaiting assembly as the first fully representative composite wing is readied for static and fatigue testing. While underway, the first ground testing has begun for the Falcon’s first complete power plant as installed with its new nacelle design. 

Dassault will take a “new approach to ground testing” this time around, hoping to “demonstrate the maturity of all systems well before the aircraft even takes to the air”. Two multi-system test benches at the company’s Istres, France flight test center will be used for the campaign, equipped with a full flight deck and subsystems simulators representative of those used on the Falcon 10X.

The benches will allow testing and verification of avionics, engine controls, flight controls, hydraulics, electrical distribution, braking, fire protection and other sundry aircraft systems as Dassault tries to shake out any mysteries or issues in the aircraft before full series production. 

Rolls-Royce’s new facility also broke ground near the final assembly line in Bordeaux-Mérignac, which will eventually allow them to support production of their Pearl 10X. The flight test campaign will take place using a Rolls-Royce flying test bed, logging more than 1,000 hours to date on 100% sustainable aviation fuel. So far, they report confidence in the Pearl’s reliability, noting it has met its performance requirements in providing more than 18,000 pounds of thrust. 

FMI: www.dassaultfalcon.com