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Category: <span>Dassault</span>

Executive Jet Makes Emergency Landing at Shannon

Shannon AirportAn executive jet, registered to New York-based Constellation Leasing, had to make an emergency landing at Shannon Airport, Ireland, on February 1.

The Dassault Falcon 900EX jet was en-route to an airport in the United Kingdom when the crew reported issues with its fuel system and declared an emergency.

Emergency services personnel were ready at the scene when the plane safely landed at around 3:45 p.m.

There were 6 passengers and crew members aboard at the time; none of them was harmed.

The aircraft was taken for examination while arrangements were made to transport passengers to London.


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Total CEO Killed in Moscow Plane Crash

A business plane collided with a snow removal machine at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow, Russia, on the night of October 20.

Christophe de Margerie, the Chief Executive Officer of French oil company Total S.A., was aboard the aircraft at the time. The company confirmed that he was killed in the accident.

Three French crew members were also killed in the crash.

Authorities said that the French-made Dassault Falcon 50 corporate plane was taking off for France when it collided with the snow removal machine. The driver of the machine remained uninjured.

Moscow transport investigators said that they had launched a criminal investigation and that French authorities would also be invited to participate.


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Iran Dassault Crash

On March 3 2014 a Dassault Falcon 20E operated by Iran Civil Aviation Organization was lost 2.5 miles E of Kish Island on what is described as “a calibration flight to test navigation equipment.” The four crew aboard the plane died in the crash. The Dassault Falcon 20 is a French jet built by Dassault Aviation. The “E” variation has higher thrust engines (General Electric CF700-2D-2), higher zero fuel weight.

Volkswagen Air Services Falcon Skids off Runway


On January 30, 2013, a Volkswagen Air Services Dassault Falcon 7X with 3 aboard was taking off from Berlin Tegel Airport when the plane developed a steering problem and skidded off the runway.

Witnesses said it looked as if the plane were caught by a gust of wind.

There were no injuries reported.


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Dassault Mirage Crash in France

What: Armee de l’air Dassault Mirage 2000-5
Where: Froideconche, France
When: Oct 3, 2012
Who: pilot
Why: A Mirage 2000-5 fighter crashed in Froideconche killing the Taiwanese pilot.

The pilot, who was on a training mission, crashed northeast of the town of Luxeuil Froideconche in a wooded area.

The accident is under investigation.

Falcon Flying Again


Contact photographer Augustas Didzgalvis
After the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approved the repair to the trim system, the Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X is no longer grounded. Since May, when a Malaysian Falcon 7X suffered an uncontrolled pitch trim runaway during descent, the plane has been grounded.

An additional electronic control has been added to ensure none of the 112 Falcon 7X tri-jets will not have a repeat of the “trim runaway.”

Although the grounding is over, the problem is not considered solved, and the investigation into the pitch trim fault is ongoing.

Dassault’s Enhanced Vision System (EVS) Receives FAA Certification for the Falcon 7X

SAINT-CLOUD, France, February 11, 2011 — Dassault Falcon has received operational certification from the FAA for the Falcon 7X Enhanced Vision System (EVS). This follows certification received from EASA in July, 2010.

Dassault’s EVS provides an image on the Head-Up Display (HUD) and flight deck displays that enables the pilots to see the terrain and airport environment in low visibility situations such as in fog, haze, snow or at night. It incorporates LCD HUD technology and offers a high quality, brighter video presentation with a unique two-mode setting that optimizes the video for either an approach configuration (to enhance approach and runway lights), or a general purpose configuration. It also takes advantage of special IR video processing developed specifically to minimize visual artifacts and distortion.

“Incorporating technology that enhances safety and situational awareness is a prime goal in the continuing development of all our programs,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “This additional certification is further affirmation that we are achieving this goal. Our fully integrated EVS offers advanced features not available on any other system, and has already generated a great deal of interest among the Falcon family,” Rosanvallon added. EVS significantly improves situational awareness, not only during take-off, approach and landing, but also during ground maneuvering.

In addition to enhanced situational awareness, the Falcon 7X EVS system provides operational credit towards reduced minima in low visibility landing conditions from the published IFR minima down to a minimum of 100 feet above the threshold elevation. This provides minima equivalent to Cat II minimums even on Cat I standard instrument approaches and on non-precision approaches.
A one day pilot training course, consisting of ground instruction and full flight simulator training (including at least six approaches) is required for operators using EVS.


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Dassault Falcon Announces 2011 Regional M&O Seminar Series

SAINT-CLOUD, France, February 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Dassault Falcon’s Regional Maintenance & Operations Seminar (M&O) series will continue again in 2011, with a total of 13 seminars to be held in eight countries around the globe. The M&O Seminar series gives Falcon operators an opportunity to communicate face-to-face with Dassault’s specialists and engineering teams on a variety of topics.
“The goal of our M&O Seminar series is to provide a forum for the exchange of information,” said Jacques Chauvet, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Customer Service. “Operators not only get to hear from Dassault specialists, but we are equally as receptive to their feedback. Each year we work closely with our Operator Advisory Board (OAB) to find ways to make the M&O meetings more productive and valuable. That effort has been well received by our Falcon family as reflected in 2010’s attendance figures which were up 20% over 2009.”
Falcon Regional M&O Seminars focus both on operational and technical issues and are designed to help aircraft operators improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of their operations. Topics range from the latest customer service and engineering support initiatives to enhancements in troubleshooting and product reliability. The one-day sessions include interaction with model and support specialists as well as Authorized Service Centers, vendors and partners. Certificates of attendance can also be issued to participants to serve as credit for recurrent maintenance training.
“Since we launched the regional seminar format three years ago, it has become very popular among our operators not only because of the content, but because our team travels to meet with our customers, limiting their time spent away from their office. That allows more customers to attend and leads to a more successful experience,” said Frank Youngkin, Senior Vice President of Customer Service. “And, as the series continues to evolve and grow, we will work closely with our Operator Advisory Board (OAB) to find ways to make the M&O meetings even more productive and valuable into the future.”
2011 Regional M&O Series Locations and Dates:

Rome, Italy – March 16
Phoenix, AZ – March 22
Seattle, WA – March 24
Dallas, TX – April 5
Geneva, Switzerland – April 6
Toluca, Mexico – April 7
Beijing, China – April 18
Atlanta, GA – April 19
Mahwah, NJ – April 21
Chicago, IL – May 3
Mumbai, India – May 4
Toronto, Canada – May 5
Sao Paulo, Brazil – August 11


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Dassault Falcon Focuses on the Growing Market in India as the Company Strengthens its Position in Emerging Markets Worldwide

BANGALORE, India, February 4, 2011 — Dassault Falcon is presenting its Falcon fleet of large cabin, long range business jets at Aero India 2011, starting on February 9th in Bangalore. The Falcon range of aircraft will be on display alongside the Dassault Rafale fighter, which will perform in the air display. Dassault Falcon’s share of the Indian market is strong and growing as the benefits of business aviation are recognized by an increasing number of Indian companies and private owners. Private investment in India’s aviation infrastructure and support by the Indian authorities are making this dynamic market even more attractive.

Dassault Falcon currently has over 60% share of the Indian market for large cabin/long range aircraft and is rapidly consolidating its position with an increase in local customer support and parts services. An Authorized Service Center is also under consideration, in addition to the existing Dassault liaison office in New Delhi which serves both the Indian military and Falcon operators.
More than 20 Falcon aircraft are currently operating from airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Another 15 aircraft are on order for delivery to Indian customers within the next two years. Almost half of the new aircraft orders are for the Dassault flagship Falcon 7X, the first business jet certified with a fully-digital flight control system.

In 2010, Dassault Falcon reinforced its position in key markets such as India and South America – where the company has the largest market share in its segments – and Asia, specifically China, where aircraft sales are growing quickly. In India, Dassault built its reputation for advanced technology and efficient aircraft from its first military sales. Today, the Indian military operates 50 Mirage fighters. In the business aviation sector, Dassault Falcon’s success has been driven by new models with exceptional performance, comfort and fuel economy such as the Falcon 2000LX and the Falcon 7X.

“We have been encouraged about the potential for long term growth in business aviation in India,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “Business jets are now seen in the region as a powerful tool to enable quick and convenient access to customers within the country, and worldwide. The dramatic growth of the economy and the experience of travelling on commercial airlines have all contributed to the expansion of the market over the last few years. The worldwide crisis did not impact our regional sales as severely, and the second half of 2010 was much active for us.”

The performance of the Falcon fleet is especially valued in India, where short airfields, elevated runways and high temperatures are common. The Falcon aircraft are also more economical to operate and more environmentally responsible than any other large cabin aircraft. Their efficient design and technological optimization means less weight, 20-60% less fuel consumption and lower emissions than other airplanes in their class.

Dassault Falcon aircraft are very well suited to the Indian customer, offering long range – the Falcon 7X can connect Mumbai to Cape Town, Bangalore to the challenging London City Airport in the heart of the City and is the only jet in its category to meet the demanding performance requirements of the airport with its steep approach and noise restrictions.

“With their exceptional performance and fuel efficiency, I have no doubt that the Falcon fleet is positioned for long term success in the region and that we will maintain a high level of market share, ” concluded John Rosanvallon.

To support its growing fleet in India and the increased number of transient airplanes, Falcon Customer Service has based a Customer Service Manager and opened a spares distribution center with DHL in Mumbai. Dassault Falcon has already authorized service centers nearby in Dubai, Jeddah and Singapore.

About Dassault Falcon
Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across five continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as the complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on multiple continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, 2,000 Falcon jets have been delivered to 67 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets-the Falcon 900EX, 900LX, and the 7X-as well as the twin-engine 2000LX.


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Dassault Aviation Evaluates Laminar Designs in Flight as part of Europe’s Clean Sky Research Program

SAINT-CLOUD, France, January 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Dassault Aviation recently performed a successful flight test to evaluate potential applications of a laminar wing for large business jets. The flight was performed with a Falcon 7X at Dassault’s Flight Test Center in Istres, France. The tests are part of the “Smart Fixed Wing Aircraft”, one of the Integrated Technology Demonstrators of the European Clean Sky initiative. Clean Sky, one of Europe’s largest research initiatives ever, aims to develop technologies for cleaner and quieter next-generation aircraft which will enter service beyond 2020.

The flight evaluated a new infrared (IR) camera technology, developed by FLIR, which is capable of measuring temperature gradients in high altitude/low temperature and pressure environment. The camera measured differences in surface temperatures between laminar and turbulent areas of the horizontal tail plane on the Falcon 7X. While the Falcon 7X is not based on a laminar design, at high altitudes a laminarity of up to 40% was predicted on the upper surface of the horizontal tail. Measurements from the IR camera placed at the top of the vertical tail were performed to provide experimental validation.

“The results, which are still under analysis by Dassault Aviation and ONERA, (the French national aerospace research center) do show laminar extensions as expected,” said Philippe Rostand, Future Falcon Programs Project Manager. “The tests also permitted us to qualify new measurements techniques and equipment that will be used in future test flights to be flown by Dassault, Airbus and the other European partners on an even larger scale, such as the ‘smart laminar wing’ that will be flight tested in 2014 on a modified Airbus A340-300 test aircraft.”
Among other aerodynamic innovations, a laminar wing offers the largest potential for a dramatic decrease in drag. Laminar wings are currently only used on sail planes and small business jets. Initial studies indicate a potential 5-10% drag decrease and corresponding reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions with a laminar wing design on a large aircraft. Demonstrations and analysis on a larger scale have yet to be performed to confirm possible efficient and safe application on larger aircraft.

Dassault Aviation previously performed a series of successful test flights with an experimental laminar airfoil from 1986-1989 on a modified Falcon 50. “Today, better measurement tools and production methods are in place to implement what we’ve learned so that we can someday bring these exciting findings into reality,” said Rostand.


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Dassault’s Falcon 2000LX Receives Approval for London City Airport (LCY)

DUBAI, UAE, December 6, 2010 / — Dassault’s Falcon 2000LX recently has been granted approval for arrivals and departures at the challenging London City Airport (LCY) in England. With this approval, European registered Falcon 2000LXs can connect London City, located in the heart of the city of London, nonstop with all of Europe including Moscow. Dassault is currently developing a program to gain FAA steep approach certification which will also allow American registered aircraft to operate at LCY.

In order to use London City’s short runway (4,327 ft/1,319 m at landing and 3,934 ft/1,199 m at take off), an aircraft must demonstrate exacting performance. To help achieve this, Dassault developed a unique autobrake feature for the Falcon 2000EX and 2000LX that reduces landing distances by as much as 300 feet on steep approaches, which are required for London City. The steep approach procedures require a glide slope of 5.5 degrees as opposed to the standard 3.0 degrees.

“Flying into London City is not only a challenge for aircraft performance, aircraft are also required to be good neighbors and must abide by strict noise procedures,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “Meeting these requirements is not an easy task but the convenience of flying into the heart of downtown London is highly valuable for business jet operators.” The Falcon 2000LX noise level was measured in the same category as smaller turboprop.

The Falcon 2000LX received EASA and FAA certification in April 2009. The 4,000 nm range 2000LX offers the same spacious, quiet interior as the 2000EX EASy but also the capability to serve a more extensive city pairs. It offers a 10 to 15% better climb speed improvement in comparison to the Falcon 2000EX and allows the aircraft to reach 41,000 ft in just 18 minutes. The Falcon 2000LX comes standard with the award-winning EASy flight deck which has won high marks and praise for its integrated features and intuitive displays.
In 2009, the Falcon 7X was approved to operate at London City Airport for both EASA and FAA registered aircraft. The Falcon 7X offers the longest range of any business jet qualified for London City with nonstop capability to New York. Additionally, the Falcon 900DX/EX, Falcon 50 and Falcon 10 all have London City approval.

About Dassault Falcon
Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across five continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as the complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on multiple continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, 2,000 Falcon jets have been delivered to 67 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets-the Falcon 900DX, 900LX, and the 7X-as well as the twin-engine 2000LX.


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Dassault Reaches Milestone With 100th Falcon 7X Delivery

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, — Dassault yesterday delivered the 100th Falcon 7X during a ceremony at its completion center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The aircraft was delivered to a Brazilian financial services company.

“We promised to design and build the most technically advanced and best flying aircraft in the industry and we’ve already achieved that 100 times,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “During that time, feedback from pilots and passengers alike has been very positive. Pilots said they appreciate, in particular, the digital flight control system which makes the Falcon 7X so responsive and easy to maneuver. The superb cabin environment is praised by passengers for its smooth flying comfort and quietness.

To date, the 5,950 nm Falcon 7X fleet has accumulated more than 57,000 flight hours, operating in over 25 countries with orders coming from more than 40 countries. The fleet leader has logged more than 3,000 flight hours since its delivery mid 2007. “The high usage rate (higher than other Falcons) demonstrates that the Falcon 7X is a very active part of many flight departments,” said Jacques Chauvet, Senior Vice President of Customer Service. “Its versatility helps account for its popularity and having gathered over 200 orders”.

The Falcon 7X has received type certification from 16 aviation authorities and is the only long range business jet with EASA and FAA approvals to use the challenging London City airport.

7X Background
The Falcon 7X has the longest range of any Falcon business jet and is the most fuel efficient jet in its class. Since its entry into service in 2007, the 7X cabin has set a new standard for business jets. The cabin has 28 windows which are 10% bigger than previous Falcons. It also features a low in flight cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, even while cruising at an altitude of 51,000 ft, and an advanced temperature control system that maintains the environment to within one degree throughout the entire cabin. Internal sound level has been reduced to 52 dB which is the result of breakthroughs in design, materials and cushioned engine mounts.

First announced at the Paris Air Show in 2001, the Falcon 7X is the first business jet with a digital flight control system and was simultaneously certified by both the EASA and the FAA on April 27, 2007. It features the award-winning EASy Flight Deck and is powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A engines. Its 5,950 nm range (eight passengers, M.80 with NBAA IFR reserves) can comfortably connect 95% of the commonly used business aviation city pairs.

About Dassault Falcon
Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across five continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as the complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on multiple continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, 2,000 Falcon jets have been delivered to 67 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets-the Falcon 900DX, 900LX, and the 7X-as well as the twin-engine 2000LX.


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Dassault Falcon Lost At Sea


Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Ivan P. Nesbit

What: Wells Fargo Dassault Falcon 20D en route from Santa Domingo to Miami
Where: 11 miles East of Grand Inagua Bahamas
When: Dec 18 2009
Who: 2 pilots
Why: The plane crashed into the sea 11 miles east of the Bahamas. No details are know.

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