Dassault is preparing to roll-out its Falcon 5X business jet on 2 June at its Bordeaux-Merignac facility, and says the all-new large-cabin long-range business jet is on track for first flight in the second half of the year.
Two aircraft are currently undergoing ground testing and s/n 01 recently completed a second engine run up cycle, says the French airframer.
“Bench testing of key systems, including the electrical and fuel system, hydraulics and the aircraft’s advanced digital flight controls, is well advanced,” it continues, “Pilots have completed over 250 simulation flights on the global simulation bench which replicates the 5X’s flight control, avionics and hydraulic systems.".
The 5,200nm (9,630km)-range twinjet was launched in October 2013. With a fuselage diameter of 2.7m (8.9ft) and a cabin height of 1.98m, the 5X is the largest aircraft in Dassault’s six-strong high-end business jet family, and boasts the widest cabin in its class.
The aircraft is powered by Snecma’s Silvercrest engine, marking the first time a Falcon has been launched with an all-new powerplant, or one produced by the French manufacturer. The fly-by-wire aircraft is projected to have a maximum speed of 370kt (685km/h) and a maximum take-off weight of 31,600kg (69,700lb).
The 5X – which also features a next-generation EASy cockpit and Elbit head-up display – is earmarked for certification and service entry in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
The 5X is being developed in parallel with the airframer’s flagship type, the ultra-long-range 8X.
The third and final test aircraft - serial number 3 - took to the skies for the first time on 11 May as the certification campaign for 19-seat trijet, unveiled at last year’s show, steps up a gear.
The aircraft, a longer-legged and stretched of the eight-year old 7X, will be ferried next month to Dassault’s Falcon US completion facility in Little Rock, Arkansas where a full interior will be installed in preparation for cabin and sound level testing.
Dassault Aviation chairman and chief executive Eric Trappier says he is “very pleased” with the 8X flight test programme, which so far has seen the three aircraft notch up 50 sorties between them.
Around 500 flight hours across 200 flights are anticipated before European and US certification is granted in the middle of next year, says Dassault,
S/n 01 is dedicated to flight envelope expansion. Tests so far have included high-speed performance at Mach 0.96 and climbing to a maximum ceiling of 51,000ft. Different weight configurations have also been trialled and the aircraft also underwent a high energy break test campaign, says Dassault
S/n 02 is focusing on performance parameters such as fuel consumption and landing/take-off distance. These trials are scheduled for completion in the third quarter.
Production of the 6,450nm-range 8X is now well advanced, says Dassault, with eight aircraft currently in final assembly and 15 other units at various stages of production.
Source: Flight Daily News
