Dassault Falcon 8X: An Overview

The Dassault Falcon 8X is a flagship ultra-long-range business jet, renowned for its combination of performance, luxury, and efficiency. As the longest-range Falcon jet in the Dassault family, the Falcon 8X offers unmatched versatility and cutting-edge technology, making it a preferred choice for executives, corporations, and individuals who require both speed and comfort on global flights. With the ability to fly non-stop across continents, the 8X delivers a smooth and quiet ride with exceptional fuel efficiency.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the Falcon 8X’s interior, exterior, flight range, passenger capacity, performance figures, technology and avionics, and cost and operational efficiency.

Interior

The Dassault Falcon 8X is known for its spacious and customizable interior, designed to offer maximum comfort during long journeys. The cabin is quiet, well-lit, and fitted with premium materials, making it a luxurious and productive space for passengers.

• Seating Capacity: The Falcon 8X can comfortably seat up to 14 passengers in various configurations. The seats are fully adjustable, offering a range of positions for work, relaxation, or dining.
• Cabin Dimensions:
  • Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters)
  • Width: 7 feet 8 inches (2.34 meters)
  • Length: 42 feet 8 inches (13 meters)
• Three-Zone Cabin: The cabin can be configured into three distinct zones, offering a variety of private spaces. These can include a forward lounge or meeting area, a mid-cabin dining section, and an aft private room or stateroom for rest.
• Customizable Layouts: The 8X offers over 30 different cabin layout configurations, allowing owners to tailor the jet to their specific preferences. This flexibility includes options for private offices, lounges, or conference areas.
• Soundproofing and Air Quality: The cabin is exceptionally quiet, with advanced soundproofing and an efficient air circulation system, ensuring a relaxing atmosphere for long-haul flights.
• Baggage Compartment: The in-flight accessible baggage area provides 140 cubic feet (3.96 cubic meters) of space, ensuring passengers can easily retrieve belongings mid-flight.

Exterior

The Dassault Falcon 8X is designed for efficiency and performance with its sleek, aerodynamic profile and advanced construction materials. The aircraft’s lightweight design contributes to its impressive range and fuel efficiency.

• Dimensions:
  • Wingspan: 86 feet 3 inches (26.29 meters)
  • Length: 80 feet 3 inches (24.46 meters)
  • Height: 26 feet 1 inch (7.94 meters)
• Wing Design: The triple-engine configuration contributes to the jet’s stability, maneuverability, and ability to access shorter runways, giving the Falcon 8X the versatility to land at smaller airports where other jets in its class may not be able to.
• Advanced Aerodynamics: The Falcon 8X’s wing design, paired with winglets, enhances its lift and fuel efficiency, contributing to its long range and smooth performance at high speeds.

Flight Range

The Falcon 8X is a standout in the ultra-long-range category due to its impressive ability to cover vast distances non-stop.

• Maximum Range: The Falcon 8X can fly 6,450 nautical miles (11,945 km) without needing to refuel, making it ideal for non-stop trips such as:
  • Hong Kong to London
  • New York to Dubai
  • Paris to Singapore
• Fuel Efficiency: One of the key advantages of the 8X is its fuel efficiency. Despite its long-range capabilities, the jet is highly economical in terms of fuel consumption, providing cost savings over time.
• Access to Smaller Airports: The 8X’s ability to land on shorter runways allows it to access smaller regional airports that many jets of its size and range cannot, giving passengers more travel flexibility.

Passenger Capacity

The Dassault Falcon 8X can seat up to 14 passengers, depending on the cabin configuration. It offers flexible seating arrangements to suit both business and leisure travel needs.

• Sleeping Arrangements: The cabin can be configured with fully flat beds to accommodate up to 6 passengers for restful sleep on overnight flights.
• Crew: The 8X typically operates with a crew of two pilots and one or two flight attendants, ensuring a smooth and well-supported in-flight experience.

Performance Figures

The Falcon 8X excels in its performance capabilities, offering speed, range, and fuel efficiency that make it stand out in the ultra-long-range jet category.

• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 73,000 lbs (33,113 kg)
• Maximum Cruising Altitude: The Falcon 8X can cruise at an altitude of 51,000 feet (15,545 meters), flying above commercial air traffic and most weather disturbances.
• Takeoff Distance: The 8X can take off from runways as short as 5,910 feet (1,800 meters), giving it access to smaller airports with shorter runways.
• Landing Distance: The aircraft can land on runways as short as 2,240 feet (683 meters), providing flexibility when it comes to destination options.

Technology and Avionics

The Falcon 8X is equipped with Dassault’s state-of-the-art EASy III flight deck, which integrates advanced technology to enhance both pilot control and passenger safety.

• Fly-by-Wire Technology: The Falcon 8X features fly-by-wire controls, improving safety and fuel efficiency through precise flight path management and reduced pilot workload.
• Synthetic Vision System (SVS): This system provides a 3D terrain display, improving visibility and situational awareness, especially in challenging weather conditions.
• Head-Up Display (HUD): Critical flight information is projected onto the windshield, allowing pilots to maintain focus on the sky and the runway during takeoff and landing.
• FalconEye: Dassault’s proprietary FalconEye Combined Vision System integrates both synthetic and enhanced vision to allow safer landings, even in poor visibility conditions.
• Connectivity: The cabin is equipped with high-speed Ka-band internet, allowing passengers to remain connected, stream media, or conduct business meetings during flights.

Cost and Operational Efficiency

Despite its luxury features and long-range capabilities, the Falcon 8X is designed with cost efficiency in mind. Its triple-engine design and lightweight structure make it one of the most fuel-efficient jets in its class.

• Fuel Efficiency: The Falcon 8X is approximately 30% more fuel-efficient than many other jets in the ultra-long-range category, contributing to lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.
• Maintenance and Support: Dassault’s global support network ensures predictive maintenance services, minimizing aircraft downtime and optimizing operational efficiency.