Falcon 2000

It was a bit surprising when Dassault, a French company known for high standards of performance and technological advancement, announced that their next jet would be optimized for economy. Fortunately, they managed to create the Falcon 2000 without sacrificing their usual high standard of excellence. The Falcon 2000 is a private jet with a large cabin, transcontinental range, and fast cruise speeds. It can easily complete nonstop flights such as trips from Miami to Seattle or from Boston to San Francisco.

The cabin of the Dassault Falcon 2000 has a volume of 1,024 cubic feet and usually seats between eight and twelve passengers. In the standard eight-to-twelve seating arrangement, two seats can stretch out flat and combine so that passengers can actually lay down for a nap, just as they would do in a bed. 134 cubic feet of baggage space is available, which can hold a maximum weight of 1,600 pounds.

Two CFE738 axial-centrifugal flow engines supply the power for the Falcon 2000EX. They provide 5,918 pounds of thrust apiece, and are flat-rated to improve runway performance at high altitudes and temperatures. At sea level, the Falcon 2000 can take off in 5,436 feet, but needs 7,656 feet of runway at an altitude of 5,000 feet and a temperature of 77°F.

The Falcon 2000’s high speed cruise is 479 knots at 39,000 feet and its long range cruise is 417 knots at 43,000 feet. It climbs to 37,000 feet in nineteen minutes. While carrying eight passengers, it can fly 3,450 miles (3,000 nautical miles) at .80 Mach. Its cabin is rated to 8.8 psi, meaning it can maintain a sea level cabin at 25,300 feet.

The Falcon 2000 was the first private jet that Dassault designed without a physical model. Its design was completely digital, created by Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) software. This software helped improve aerodynamic structure and simplified the airplane’s systems.

Dassault made a lofty promise when they announced their plans for an economical jet that would still measure up to their standards of excellence – and delivered on it. Few other private jets can complete trips of 3,450 miles at .80 Mach with eight passengers. For that matter, few jets offer as much passenger comfort as does the Falcon 2000, like seats that can be configured into beds. In summary, the Falcon 2000 is a solid private jet with high capabilities and great performance – a good option all around.