- New Software Updates to Improve Capability and Procedures

Dassault tomorrow will deliver its 75th Falcon 7X during a ceremony at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland. The 5,950 nautical mile tri-jet is now operating in 24 different countries and has logged over 30,000 flight hours and 15,000 takeoffs and landings. The 7X was jointly certified by the FAA and EASA in April, 2007, and has since received type certification from 14 countries with orders being received in 42 countries.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100503/389653 )

"The rapid accumulation of flight hours by our Falcon 7X fleet is a testament to its reliability," said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. "No other aircraft offers the same efficiency, range of performance or technological advancements as those available in our flagship aircraft." The Falcon 7X is powered by three Pratt and Whitney Canada PW307A engines that help make the Falcon 7X category leader with both fuel efficiency and airport performance.

The backlog of the Falcon 7X now stands at 120 aircraft. "Given the events in our industry over the past eighteen months, having such a strong backlog is proof of the aircraft's versatility and the recognition in the marketplace that the Falcon 7X is a true industry leader," continued Rosanvallon.

Upcoming Falcon 7X Enhancements

The 7X is set to receive a new round of enhancements with the release of five Service Bulletins. Among the modifications is the "Load 10" update to the EASy flight deck. Load 10 includes TOLD (Takeoff and Landing Data), which provides automatic computation of engine ratings and key speeds (V1, VR, V2) as well as landing distances, field length and other related data.

Provided in Load 10 is Windshear Escape Guidance, which gives direction to pilots to minimize altitude loss while maintaining a safe stall margin. Another new feature, Runway Awareness and Advisory System (RAAS), provides aural alerts during approaches, landing and ground operations to help increase situational awareness.

Updates to the Digital Flight Control System Flight (DFCS) will also streamline the aircraft initialization procedures.

Additionally, certification of the Falcon 7X Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) is expected in the middle of 2010. The EFVS increases situational awareness in difficult weather conditions and provides an operational benefit to properly trained crews which will allow approaches to be flown with a decision height as low as 100 feet above ground level.

"This newest update of the avionics and flight deck of the 7X brings an enhanced level of reliability, performance and safety to what is the most advanced business jet in the world," said Rosanvallon.

The Falcon 7X has the longest range of any Falcon business jet. Since its entry into service in 2007, the 7X cabin has set a new standard for business jets praised by its passengers for its "library quiet" cabin which is the result of breakthroughs in design, materials and cushioned engine mounts. Special attention was given to enhancing its cabin comfort for flights lasting up to 13 hours. The large and bright cabin with 28 windows which are 10% bigger than previous Falcons. It also features a low in flight cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, even while flying at 51,000 feet, and an advanced temperature control system that maintains the environment to within one degree throughout the entire cabin.

About Dassault Falcon

Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across 5 continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as a complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on multiple continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, 2000 Falcon jets have been delivered to more than 67 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes three tri-jets-the Falcon 900DX, 900LX and the 7X-as well as the twin-engine 2000DX and 2000LX.

SOURCE Dassault Falcon