Dassault Falcon becomes first OEM to receive FAA approval for both 3D type design and completions process

Dassault Falcon has received approval from the FAA for the use of 3D data for type design in the completions process of Falcon aircraft. The approval applies to completions for production aircraft, including the Falcon 900 and 2000 series, as well as the 7X. Dassault previously received approval for 3D data on the basic design of the Falcon 7X when it was jointly certified by the FAA and the EASA in 2007, making it the first aircraft to be fully approved for the use of 3D data throughout the entire manufacturing process.

"FAA approval for 3D data to be used exclusively throughout the completions process of Falcon aircraft not only reflects Dassault's philosophy of utilizing the highest level of technology to increase quality but also sets a new standard for how airworthiness authorities will accept and validate new aircraft designs going forward," said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon.

The 7X was the first Falcon to be designed fully within the framework of Dassault's Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) philosophy. The program set the groundwork for the incorporation of 3D data from the manufacturing process through to completions and operations. Key benefits include greater accuracy during the spec & design process, including the opportunity for the customer to visualize the final configuration of the aircraft. Definition of the aircraft specification in 3D also ensures compatibility of component placement with maintenance activities and a higher overall quality of the completions process.

The approval process to validate the use of 3D data in completions activities was the result of nearly two years of collaboration between Dassault Falcon and the FAA, including more than 60 meetings held with the agency's three main branches (ACO, MIDO, FSDO). The approval required Dassault Falcon to develop detailed processes for the use, storage and long-term retention of 3D data, including disaster recovery plans. Additionally, Dassault Falcon developed an extensive training program for those involved in the process.