Dassault Aviation presented its new business jet, which will enter service in the second half 2016.
First public appearance for the new Falcon 8X out assembly lines Dassault Aviation (*) at Bordeaux-Merignac. The official presentation took place on Wednesday night in front of an invited audience, including customers, industry partners, business aircraft fleet operators and representatives of certification authorities and local communities. The “roll-out” in the aviation jargon, is an important step in the unfolding of a new aircraft program. It is also an emotional moment for engineers, mates and management. And an opportunity for commercial Falcon to attract future customers.
Announced in May at the EBACE, the exhibition business aviation Geneva 8X is the new flagship the range of Falcon business jets. It looks like a modified derivative and modernized the 7X, the current flagship commissioned in 2007, and his heir. “The tradition of innovation and excellence Dassault Aviation helps explain the success of the Falcon 7X. More than 250 copies have been built since its commissioning, seven years ago, and demand remains strong. We envision a future just as bright for the 8X, “says Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation. And to clarify that the group has recorded several dozen firm orders, including several with French customers.
It can carry up to 19 passengers
Powered by an enhanced version of reactor Pratt & amp; Whitney PW307, 8X features a new wing of aluminum, reinforced landing gear, a lengthened fuselage and an extra-long cabin. Capable of carrying up to 19 passengers, the device is a high-end jet large cabin, long range. It may cross 11,945 kilometers non-stop (945 km more than the 7X) with 8 passengers and 3 crew members. This is the longest-range of the Falcon range.
The final assembly and 8X tests take place in the hall of Charles Lindbergh Merignac site. While the ground test campaign was completed in November, the first flight, expected first quarter 2015, will kick off the flight test campaign which will involve devices. The 8X should be certified in mid-2016, for the first deliveries in the second half 2016. The manufacturer plans to assemble three aircraft per month by 2018.
A recovering market
By 2017, Dassault Aviation will have the 8X – but also the 5X, a completely new jet announced in October 2013 show in Las Vegas – with a wider offering six models ranging from 6,200 km to 11,945 km of radius of action. To complete its offer, it has made a financial contribution of EUR 1.5 billion, including $ 500 million for the 8X. With these two new models, the manufacturer considers itself well equipped to take advantage of the relaunch of the market that has gone through a big air pocket in 2009 before beginning a slow recovery.
According to the Association manufacturers of general aviation (Gama), business jet deliveries rose 9.3% in the first nine months of 2014 to 460 copies. This segment has grown faster than the overall market (+ 5.7% over the period) for an estimated value of $ 16 billion (+ 4%). “The new help to consolidate the growth of the market, while it emerges from recession,” says Pete Bunce, CEO of Gama. But he believes that there is still some way to go for market growth is stronger and more durable.
(*) The Dassault Group owns the Le Figaro .
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