French manufacturer Dassault Aviation rolled-out the first Falcon 5X airframe at a ceremony at the company's Bordeaux-Merignac plant this week.
The new twin jet is a wide-body corporate jet that seats eight people and has a range out over 5000 nm. It is powered by two Snecma Silvercrest engines.
“The Falcon 5X was designed to answer operator demand for an aircraft in the 5000 nm range that could provide more space and comfort than existing large body jets while combining the handling qualities, the low speed performance and operating economics which are the hallmark of Falcons,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
“Customers have already responded to the new aircraft with enthusiasm and we expect it to become every bit as popular as the 7X, the fastest selling Falcon we’ve ever built.”
The Falcon 5X will be equipped with a new ultra-efficient wing, an advanced digital flight control system derived from the Rafale fighter jet and the Silvercrest engines are expected to be 15% more efficent than other engines in the same thrust class.
The target approach speed of 105 knots is designed to enable it to operate from a wider range of runways.
Dassault expects the Falcon will make its maiden flight before the end of the northern summer.
The reported sticker price for the 5X is $US45 million.