Falcon 6X round-the-globe proving campaign ready for kick-off

With envelope expansion and most major development milestones accomplished, the Falcon 6X is preparing to embark on a demanding global proving campaign.

The objective of this 40-stop, 150-hour campaign, set to begin next month, is to ensure the reliability of the aircraft and onboard systems in real world operating conditions prior to initial customer deliveries.

The 6X has now completed a number of major flight test activities, including cold-soak tests, high- elevation tests and expanded the flight envelope well beyond the aircraft's Mach 0.90 maximum operating speed. The number of flight trials remaining includes natural icing tests and contaminated runway tests.

“Our test team continues to be impressed by the handling and performance of the Falcon 6X,” said Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. “This global proving campaign will make sure that all systems are fully mature at entry into service. We are committed to delivering a perfect aircraft from day one.”

Three Falcon 6X flight test aircraft have accumulated more than 850 hours of flight time to date and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) flight evaluation process has begun.

Aircraft number four--the first production unit—is on display at EBACE equipped with a full interior. This aircraft will take part in the proving tour.

The one-month tour will include a number of long and short haul legs across Europe and between North and South America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Flights of 10-12 hours will alternate with quick, short hops. The aircraft will perform long night flights, high-speed long runs at Mach 0.88, or up to seven short segments within a day.

The proving campaign aircraft will carry a full crew of Dassault pilots, flight attendants, engineers and interior specialists—. This team will test 250 different evaluation points.

Meanwhile, a fifth aircraft is currently being fitted out at Dassault Aviation's Little Rock, Arkansas completion facility, with a sixth set to arrive in the coming days.

Capable of flying 5,500 nm (10,186 km) non-stop, the Falcon 6X will feature the largest cabin cross section of any purpose-built business jet on the market.