Falcon 900

Falcon 900
Luc Verkuringen · CC BY 3.0 · source
Name	Falcon 900
Caption	A Dassault Falcon 900 in flight
Manufacturer	Dassault Aviation
First flight	1984
Introduced	1986
Role	Long-range business jet
Capacity	8–19 passengers
Length	20.30 m
Wingspan	21.44 m
Height	7.51 m
Powerplant	3 × Honeywell TFE731 turbofan (early) / Garrett/IAE/Pratt & Whitney later variants
Cruise speed	Mach 0.80
Range	4,000–6,000 km (variant dependent)

Falcon 900 The Falcon 900 is a long-range, large-cabin trijet business jet built by Dassault Aviation and developed from the earlier Falcon 50. It combines transcontinental range, short-field performance and three-engine redundancy, serving corporate, government and special-mission roles worldwide. The model series has been operated by private owners, heads of state and corporations, and has been developed through multiple variants to meet diverse requirements.

Development

Development began at Dassault Aviation in the late 1970s as a response to market demands expressed at events such as the Paris Air Show and by customers including Gulfstream Aerospace competitors and European corporations. Drawing on lessons from the Falcon 50 program, Dassault pursued increased cabin volume and range, influenced by aerodynamic research at the ONERA wind tunnels and partnerships with engine makers including Honeywell Aerospace and International Aero Engines. Prototype flight testing occurred in the early 1980s, with the type's first public demonstrations at international air shows alongside types from Bombardier Aerospace, Cessna, and Gulfstream Aerospace. Certification processes involved authorities such as the Direction générale de l'aviation civile and the Federal Aviation Administration, culminating in entry into service in the mid-1980s.

Design

The Falcon 900 features a low-mounted wing with high-lift devices and a three-engine layout: two wing-mounted pods and one centerline engine in the T-tail, a configuration sharing lineage with the Lockheed L-1011 and earlier trijets. The fuselage cross-section and cabin arrangements reflect ergonomic studies influenced by corporate flight departments from firms like Microsoft, Boeing, and Siemens. Avionics suites evolved from analog instrumentation to integrated glass cockpits supplied by firms such as Honeywell and Rockwell Collins, incorporating systems compatible with TCAS, RVSM airspace, and FMS navigation standards used by operators like NetJets and state flight departments. Structural materials include conventional aluminum alloys with localized use of composites developed in collaboration with suppliers such as Hexcel and Snecma for weight reduction and fatigue resistance. The tri-jet configuration provides redundancy valued by operators including national governments like France and Argentina, enabling operations from shorter runways at airports such as London City Airport and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.

Variants

Dassault produced multiple variants to address performance and market niches. Early models employed Honeywell TFE731 engines and were followed by improved long-range versions with upgraded powerplants and increased fuel capacity, used by corporations including Apple Inc. and ExxonMobil for transcontinental missions. Special-mission derivatives have been outfitted for aerial reconnaissance and medevac tasks for organizations such as NATO and national armed forces of countries including Chile and Spain. VIP transport conversions for heads of state paralleled modifications seen on aircraft operated by Brazil and Peru, while corporate configurations mirrored interiors popular with firms like Goldman Sachs and Toyota. Each variant benefitted from continuous avionics upgrades and optional auxiliary power systems supplied by companies like Hamilton Sundstrand.

Operational history

The Falcon 900 series entered service amid competition from models by Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier Aerospace, and Embraer. It quickly gained a reputation among charter operators, fractional ownership providers such as NetJets, and private flight departments for reliability and cabin comfort. Government and VIP users included delegations from France, Argentina, and several African states, appearing at international events such as state visits, United Nations meetings, and summits hosted in cities like New York City and Paris. Military and special-mission conversions supported maritime patrol and electronic systems trials alongside platforms from manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems. The type's long-term serviceability benefited from global maintenance networks including MRO centers in hubs such as Dubai International Airport, London Heathrow, and Singapore Changi Airport.

Operators

Civil operators range from multinational corporations, private owners, and charter companies including NetJets, VistaJet, and corporate flight departments at Siemens and Airbus. Government and state operators have included the air transport units of France, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and several European and African nations for VIP transport. Special-mission users span organizations such as NATO partners and coast guard services in countries like Japan and Spain, while charter and fractional operators provide service across regions including North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Accidents and incidents

Over its operational life the Falcon 900 series has experienced a limited number of hull losses and incidents investigated by authorities including the BEA, the NTSB, and national aviation safety agencies. Notable events prompted airworthiness directives and operational recommendations affecting operators such as corporate flight departments and charter carriers. Investigations often referenced factors similar to other business jet occurrences involving weather at destinations like Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, system failures addressed by manufacturers including Dassault Aviation and Honeywell, and human factors examined by accident boards such as those of France and the United States.

Category:Business jets