Dassault Aviation today introduced the Falcon 900DX, a large cabin tri-jet that combines Falcon safety, technology and performance with fuel efficiency and value. The 900DX fills a niche between Falcon's 2000EX and 900EX models.

"The Falcon 900DX offers a unique combination of capabilities and exceptional features to our customers, while providing an unprecedented value in a business jet," said Charles Edelstenne Chairman of Dassault Aviation from the European Business Aviation Air Show (EBACE) here in Geneva. "The aircraft comes standard equipped with the new, intuitive EASy flight deck, a wide-spacious cabin, and offers superior airport performance, excellent climb rates, high cruise speeds, and a 4,100 NM range-all while burning 40 percent less fuel than its nearest competitor. With fuel prices at an all-time high, the 900DX truly represents a business jet for today and the future." John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon, explained how the Falcon 900DX's excellent thrust-to-weight ratio will enable customers to easily use smaller airports previously inaccessible to large-cabin aircraft. "Airport performance has always been a strong suit for Falcons," said Rosanvallon. "This new airplane beats even the Falcon 900EX, which is renowned for its incredible short-field performance."

Not-so-Standard Features

The Falcon 900DX comes standard with the new, highly intuitive EASy flight deck. Customers already flying the EASy flight deck have given the system high marks. The spacious cabin of the 900DX takes its cues from its sibling, the 900EX. At 7'8" wide, there's plenty of space for passengers to work or relax in pure comfort. The 4,100 NM range of the new 900DX enables non-stop flights across the globe, matching city pairs like Geneva and Detroit or New York and Athens. Likewise, Caracas and Paris can be as easily connected as Chicago and Rome. Its excellent high-altitude performance translates into stress-free travel when navigating mountain airports like St. Moritz and Aspen. "Value is a key driver in conceptualizing any new aircraft, while maintaining the level of safety, performance and comfort that Falcon has come to symbolize," said Rosanvallon. "The Falcon 900DX was created specifically with cost efficiency in mind.

For example, we are using the forward section of the Falcon 2000EX for the DX in order to minimize manufacturing costs and optimize the assembly process."The 900DX is powered by three Honeywell TFE-731-60 turbofan engines, conservatively rated at 5,000 lb. thrust (ISA + 17°C). With nearly a million flight hours of experience already on other Falcons, the TFE-60 has proven itself to be highly reliable as well as efficient.

The Falcon 900DX features the wide-body comfort of the long-range Falcon 900EX EASy with a lower purchase price. Its operating costs are projected to be 5% lower than the Falcon 900C it replaces. Certification and first deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled for December 2005.