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Dassault announced today that the Falcon 6X has completed its first flight, which was scheduled for the first quarter of 2021. The maiden flight lasted 2 hours and 45 minutes, with the aircraft reaching FL400 and a speed of Mach 0.8.
Flight test pilot Bruno Ferry said that “The 6X flew exactly as predicted by our models. From a pilot’s perspective, it flies like a Falcon, which is to say with perfect precise handling in all phases of flight.” The flight crew, which also included Fabrice Valette, tested the aircraft handling qualities, engine response, and the behavior of key systems during the maiden flight.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated “Today’s flight is another milestone in Dassault history, made all the more satisfying by the remarkable efforts of the entire Dassault organization and its partners over the challenging last year. We dedicate today’s achievement to Olivier Dassault, who died tragically on Sunday. Olivier was a Falcon pilot who perfectly embodied his family’s boundless passion for aviation.”
“The 6X is the latest example of the fusion of military know-how and business aviation expertise for which Dassault Aviation is so respected, The new capabilities in efficiency, performance and safety it offers will set a new benchmark in the long-range segment. This airplane will also set a new standard in terms of cabin comfort and spaciousness, as demanded by our customers,” said Trappier.
A second and third aircraft are expected to join the test fleet in the coming months and will join the first aircraft at Dassault’s test facility based in Marseilles, where the bulk of the testing program will take place.
