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Dassault appears to be getting closer to the start of flight testing for its ultra-long-range Falcon 10X, according to images of the first 10X prototype posted this week by French aviation media group Actu Aero. The aircraft manufacturer declined to comment on reports that first flight could happen in early 2026, but it has confirmed plans for a purpose-built production facility for the 10X at its site at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in southwest France.
A photo of what appears to be a Falcon 10X prototype shows an aircraft with power on during ground testing. Dassault is expected to stage a rollout event for its flagship model in the new year and is targeting service entry in 2027. A longer-than-anticipated development timeline saw the new jet’s type certification target slipping from late 2025
Powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X turbofans, the latest Falcon is expected to have a range of 7,500 nm and a top speed of Mach 0.925. In early August, Rolls-Royce confirmed it had completed testing and had submitted all certification data for the 10X’s 18,000-pound-thrust Pearl 10X powerplant to EASA.
The Falcon 10X will compete with other ultra-large-cabin jets, including the Bombardier Global 8000 and Gulfstream G700. Its 2,780-cu-ft cabin will have space for a private suite with queen-size bed.
On Tuesday, Ireland's Air Corps took delivery of a new Falcon 6X aircraft that is set to be operational from 2026 in roles including government transportation, medical evacuation and defense missions. According to Niall Collins, minister of state with the department of justice, the aircraft cost €53 million ($62 million).
This article was updated on December 17 to add information about the Irish government's new Falcon aircraft and to correct details about delays to the Falcon 10X program.