While Dassault continues to be tight-lipped about the timing of the first flight for its in-development Falcon 10X, the ultra-long-range business jet’s engines are closer to being ready for service entry. Announcing strong first-half financial results late last week, Rolls-Royce confirmed it has completed all major engine certification tests and has filed reports with regulators for approval.
During Dassault’s financial results press conference on July 22, the French group’s CEO, Éric Trappier, steadfastly blocked reporters’ questions about the timing of the 10X’s first flight. The new Falcon flagship is expected to complete type certification and enter service in 2027. Now, the first prototype is in the advanced stages of assembly at the company’s Bordeaux-Mérignac factory.
Meanwhile, Dassault has been busy expanding the high-altitude performance envelope for the in-service Falcon 6X. In July, a flight-test team successfully conducted takeoffs and landings at El Alto International Airport (SLLP) near La Paz in Bolivia, which has an elevation of 13,325 feet.
Recently, the UK Civil Aviation Authority issued an approval for the 6X to operate at London City Airport. The downtown airport’s runway is 4,948 feet in length and requires a steep 5.5-degree approach.