Story ID: 
Dassault Launches Leggier, Wingletted Falcon 900
By: Thierry Dubois
Caption: Dassault today introduced the Falcon 900LX, a new version of the large business jet that features 4,800-nm NBAA IFR range thanks to the addition of winglet
Word Count: 194
Dassault today introduced the Falcon 900LX, a new version of the large business jet that features 4,800-nm NBAA IFR range thanks to the addition of winglets. With a 300-nm improvement in range, the $41 million Falcon 900LX is slated to replace the 900EX when it enters service in 2010. The all-composite winglets, which were originally created for the Falcon 2000LX, call for more wing reinforcement on the 900LX due to higher wing loading. Dassault is uncertain whether the winglets will be available as a retrofit for other 900-series Falcons. Certification of the 900LX is expected in the first half of 2010. The France-based manufacturer also announced that it has received a major order from NetJets Europe for 20 Falcon 2000LXs worth $720 million, bringing the fractional provider’s future fleet of the twinjets to 30. Certification of the Falcon 2000LX has been postponed to the third quarter. During today’s press briefing, Dassault Falcon Jet president and CEO John Rosanvallon said the company will not start talking about the next product launch, a super-midsize business jet so far referred to simply as the SMS, before it begins taking orders. This could happen by the end of the year, he said.