The Falcon 6X S/N 01 Performed Its Maiden Flight According To Plans & Schedule, Spearheading Flight Test Campaign For Certification.

Dassault Aviation recently, on 10th March 2021, announced the successful completion of the maiden flight of its all new widebody Falcon 6X in accordance to the company’s plans, which further demonstrated the maturity of the program and opening the test campaign for certification.

“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 past year,” said Dassault Aviation Chairman/CEO Eric Trappier. “We dedicate today’s achievement to Olivier Dassault, who died tragically on Sunday,” continued Trappier. “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,” added Trappier. “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.”

Aircraft 6X s/n 01 took off from Dassault Aviation’s Mérignac plant near Bordeaux at 2:45 PM in a two hour and thirty minutes maiden flight that was executed as per test plan with pilots Burno Ferry and Fabrice Vallet at its controls. The various factors tested were the aircraft handling qualities, engine response and the behaviour of key aircraft systems. The aircraft peaked at 40,000 ft and managed a speed of M0.8 before returning back to its base.

“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,” said Ferry. “Fabrice and I are honored to have made the latest first flight in another fantastic Falcon.” 

The next flight for serial number 01 will be conducted at Istres, near Marseille, where the Dassault flight test centre is located. This is also the venue where the bulk of the testing program will take place. Additionally, the Falcon 6X s/n 02 and 03 are also scheduled to take to the skies in the coming months.

 Visuals: Dassault Falcon