Engineering:Dassault Falcon 5X

Falcon 5X
2015 roll-out
Role	Business jet
National origin	France
Manufacturer	Dassault Aviation
First flight	5 July 2017
Status	Canceled on 13 December 2017
Developed into	Dassault Falcon 6X

The Dassault Falcon 5X is a large, long-range business jet that was under development by Dassault Aviation in France. The design made its first flight on 5 July 2017 using prototype engines. On 13 December 2017, Dassault announced the cancellation of the Falcon 5X, choosing instead to start a new business jet project powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines.

Development

Launch

Design work began in 2006 under the codename SMS for super-midsize, and was envisioned to compete with the Hawker 4000, the Bombardier Challenger 300 and the Gulfstream G200 or the Embraer Legacy 600 with a 3,400 nmi (6,297 km) range. Few details were publicized, except that the model was to be powered by two 10,000-pound-thrust Rolls-Royce RB282 engines.

The project was revamped after the 2008 recession when demand for super midsized and smaller aircraft decreased dramatically, while demand for the large-cabin, long-range models remained vigorous. In 2009, the design was re-evaluated and the engine choice was reassessed.

Engine selection

Model at the 2015 Paris Air Show

It was unveiled at the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention on October 21, 2013, to be powered by two Snecma Silvercrests. Compliant Silvercrest engines were originally planned for the end of 2013 but technical issues led Safran to postpone them to the end of 2017, leading to delay the 5X introduction from 2017 to 2020, and the high pressure compressor issues in the fall of 2017 delayed it further with performance shortfalls, preventing a 2020 service entry.

On 29 January 2016, Dassault Aviation confirmed a two-year delay and production freeze on the Falcon 5X because of ongoing problems with the Snecma Silvercrest engine. As Dassault endured a near three-year delay to 2020 with 12 cancellations in 2016, it demanded compensation from Safran for the engine delays.

Flight testing

Planform view on its maiden flight

After ground tests in spring 2017 including low and high speed taxi, the 5X made its first flight from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport with a preliminary version of the engines on July 5, 2017. The preliminary flight tests were intended to streamline the development program, leading to full flight testing in 2018. That program was planned to fly with certifiable engines for flight validation and type certification, "limiting the consequences of the four year engine development delay as much as possible". It was then scheduled to enter service in 2020.

In October 2017, the prototype went through 50 flight hours, testing system performance and basic handling qualities. Dassault then announced the aircraft's service introduction could be further delayed after Safran discovered high-pressure compressor response problems at high altitudes and low airspeeds on its flying testbed in San Antonio. Dassault did not rule out switching its engine supplier at that point. The prototype reached Mach 0.8 and 41,000 ft.

Termination

On 13 December 2017, Dassault abandoned the Silvercrest due to technical and schedule risks, ending the 5X development. In its place the company launched a new Falcon model with the same fuselage cross section, Pratt & Whitney Canada engines and a 5,500 nmi (10,200 km) range, planned for a 2022 introduction. The new jet will use Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800s, already powering the Gulfstream G500/G600. The Dassault Falcon 6X was unveiled on 28 February 2018. On 6 September, Dassault Aviation and Safran ended their dispute with US$ 280 million in compensatory damages paid by Safran to Dassault.

Design

The 5X's projected 5,200 nmi (9,630 km) range was not as high as that of the Falcon 7X, but the 5X had a larger fuselage diameter of 2.7 m (8.86 ft) instead of 2.5 m (8.20 ft) and greater cabin volume. The cabin also featured an unusual "zenith window" in the roof, allowing more light to enter the cabin.

Specifications

Data from Flight International 2013

General characteristics

• Crew: 3
• Capacity: 16
• Length: 25.2 m (82 ft 7 in)
• Wingspan: 25.9 m (85 ft 1 in)
• Height: 7.5 m (24 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 72.4 m² (779 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 9.27
• Empty weight: 18,144 kg (40,000 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 31,570 kg (69,600 lb)
• Maximum landing weight: 29,980 kilograms (66,095 lb)
• Maximum zero fuel weight: 22,790 kilograms (50,243 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Snecma Silvercrest , 50.9 kN (11,450 lbf) thrust each

Performanceat cruising altitude

• Maximum speed: Mach 0.90
• Range: 9,600 km (6,000 mi, 5,200 nmi) with 8 passengers + 3 crew, NBAA IFR reserves, ISA, full fuel, mach 0.8
• Service ceiling: 16,000 m (51,000 ft)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Bombardier Global Express
• Gulfstream G500 (2015)

Related lists

• List of civil aircraft

External links

• Manufacturer specifications
• Tim Hall (2013). "Falcon 5X cutaway". Flight International. http://www.dassaultfalcon.com/PublishingImages/PDF/Cutaway/5X.pdf.