Dassault's Falcon 900LX Awarded EASA and FAA Certification

SAINT-CLOUD, France, July 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Dassault Falcon has received certification from both the EASA and FAA for the newest member of the Falcon family of business jets, the 4,750 nm Falcon 900LX.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100716/399891-a ) (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100716/399891-b )

The large cabin Falcon 900LX is based on the Falcon 900EX, with enhanced performance and economy. The Falcon 900LX burns 35 to 40 percent less fuel than other aircraft in its class thanks to advanced light weight structures, an extremely efficient wing as well as Aviation Partners Inc.'s blended winglets. At its Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW), the Falcon 900LX climbs to FL390 (39,000 feet) in just 20 minutes.

"The Falcon 900LX delivers the next evolution of enhancements to the successful Falcon 900EX," said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. "The improvements to its range, performance and efficiency set the standard in its class and make it a highly desirable business tool."

Flight Test Milestones

The Falcon 900LX was first announced in May 2008 at EBACE. The rigorous flight test program, which began in October 2009, was recently completed and confirmed improvements in handling and performance. Other critical factors evaluated during the flight tests included stalls at various speed configurations, flights in icing conditions, maximum operating speed, as well as simulated system failures and aircraft fuel consumption. A total of 215 flight hours were flown on two different aircraft during the testing campaign, including 34 flights with certification authorities.

"We're proud to say that we've been able to reach this important milestone with help and cooperation from the FAA and EASA within the timeframe we set from the very beginning," said Bruno Rolland, Senior Vice President, Falcon Programs. "Flight testing will continue for more advanced operations, such as CAT III, with target dates set for 2011."

Longer range - Extended City Pairs

The new Falcon 900LX offers the same spacious, quiet interior as the 900EX but with an expanded list of city pairs. The 900LX can fly from New York to Moscow; Paris to Beijing and Mumbai to London. The robust design makes it the only business jet in its class capable of landing with fuel tanks nearly full. The 900LX can leave Washington D.C. for New York and continue to Geneva without adding fuel. Likewise, the airplane can leave London with four passengers, pick up four more in Paris and continue to Dubai without adding fuel.

The aircraft comes standard with the award-winning EASy flight deck, designed to reduce pilot workload and improve pilot interaction through elevated situational awareness in the cockpit. Today, nearly 400 EASy-equipped aircraft are in operation around the globe.

Exceptional Airport Performance

The Falcon 900LX has superior takeoff and landing performance compared to other aircraft in its class and high safety margins due to its extremely low approach and landing speeds. It offers significant advantages when operating out of challenging airports at high altitudes such as Aspen, Colorado or St. Moritz in Switzerland.

The Falcon 900LX is powered by three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines rated at 5,000 lbs of thrust each (ISA + 17degreesC) contributing to the airplane's superior low fuel burn and cost of operation. The Honeywell TFE731-60 engines on the Falcon 900EX fleet have accumulated over 2.2 million flight hours of reliable service.

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 5 continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as a 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, 2000 Falcon jets have been delivered to more than 67 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes three tri-jets-the Falcon 900EX, 900LX, and the 7X-as well as the twin-engine 2000DX and 2000LX.

Photos

Hi Res Photos are available at: http://www.falconphotogallery.com

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