In The Works: Dassault Falcon 2000S

As of early April, the Falcon 2000S had completed its first year of flight testing, having logged “nearly 300 flight hours in more than 100 flights,” according to Dassault, and the flight testing confirmed the twinjet’s expected performance. Some 2000S design features include inboard slats and an autobrake system, which combine to facilitate shorter landings. Dassault is planning to have the $25 million Falcon 2000S certified for steep approaches at airports such as London City.

The first part of the Falcon 2000S test campaign focused on handling qualities, including stability, stalls, pitch, roll rate and failure mode tests, as well as engine failure on takeoff. In the near future, minimum control speed on the ground and takeoff at minimum speed will be evaluated. Engine air-inlet distortion and maximum crosswind will also be assessed. In later phases of the certification process, engineers will test the aircraft’s anti-ice system and evaluate the integration of the Honeywell-based EASy II flight deck. Certification is still slated for the end of the fourth quarter, according to Dassault.