Second Dassault Falcon 8X Joins Flight-test Fleet

The second Dassault Falcon 8X joined the flight-test fleet early last week, with test pilots Hervé Laverne and Etienne Faurdessus at the controls. Falcon 8X S/N 02 lifted off last Monday from Dassault Aviation’s Bordeaux-Mérignac facility at 3:24 p.m. local time. The flight plan was similar to that of the maiden flight for S/N 01 on February 6.

After initial checks of the fly-by-wire controls and digital engine control system, the pilots took the aircraft to 43,000 feet and Mach 0.80 for performance tests. Following this routine, the aircraft then ran through more checks before touching down after a “flawless” two-hour, 45-minute flight. “We are pleased with the way the aircraft responded and flew,” said Laverne. “It demonstrated the same flawless handling qualities as S/N 01, a positive development at this early stage of the flight-test campaign.”

Dassault expects to earn EASA and FAA certification of the 8X in the middle of next year.