The Dassault Falcon 10X Redefines Luxury and Performance
Expanding Horizons: The Dassault Falcon 10X focuses on a new level of luxury, performance, and technological innovation in business aviation.
By Jim Simon
When Dassault Aviation unveiled the Falcon 10X, they weren’t just launching another business jet. Instead, they were staking a claim on a new level of luxury, performance, and technological innovation that places the 10X at the pinnacle of private aviation. For decades, Dassault’s Falcon line has been celebrated for combining European elegance with cutting-edge aerospace engineering. But with the Falcon 10X, Dassault has achieved something far beyond their previous models, breaking new ground with features designed for ultra-long-range flights, an expansive cabin, and an emphasis on passenger comfort and operational flexibility that promises a transformative experience.
The Legacy and Evolution of the Dassault Falcon
Dassault Aviation, known primarily for its military aircraft before moving into business jets, has made its mark in aviation through the Falcon family, beginning with the Mystère-Falcon 20 in the early 1960s. Each subsequent model in the Falcon series has offered better range, higher speeds, and increasingly sophisticated technology. The Falcon 7X and 8X, for instance, introduced fly-by-wire technology to private aviation, and the 8X was particularly celebrated for its long range and cabin customization options.
However, the Falcon 10X represents a quantum leap for Dassault, setting a new standard for the entire ultra-long-range jet category. Unlike its predecessors, the 10X focuses on offering an unparalleled combination of cabin space, range, and technological sophistication, which sets it apart from competitors like the Gulfstream G700 and the Bombardier Global 7500.
Design and Engineering: A Leap in Aerodynamics and Power
The Falcon 10X is designed to be the largest and most advanced Falcon yet, with a range of up to 7,500 nautical miles (13,900 km). It can fly non-stop between almost any two cities in the world, making it a true intercontinental business jet. This ultra-long-range capability is thanks to the plane’s efficient new twin-engine design. Dassault partnered with Rolls-Royce for the development of the Pearl 10X engines, which combine remarkable power with efficiency, enabling the jet to operate economically even at the highest performance levels.
Dassault’s military heritage is evident in the aerodynamics of the Falcon 10X, particularly its new high-speed wing, which incorporates design features from Dassault’s military fighter jets, like advanced flaps and control surfaces. This wing design not only allows the 10X to achieve greater efficiency at high speeds but also enables superior handling at lower speeds, giving it excellent performance at a wide range of airports worldwide, even those with shorter runways such as London City. For a jet of this size, that kind of flexibility is a game-changer, ensuring that the 10X can serve routes that many ultra-long-range jets simply can’t access.
What Sets the Falcon 10X Apart?
While other aircraft in the Falcon family and from competing brands excel in certain areas, the 10X brings together a host of standout features:
Cabin Space and Customisation: The 10X is set to have the largest cabin in the business aviation sector, with a width of 9.1 feet and a height of 6.8 feet, outclassing its competitors in both volume and layout options. The expansive cabin can be customised to include up to four unique zones, allowing passengers to create dedicated spaces for dining, work, rest, and even a master suite with a full-size bed and private shower. No other aircraft offers this level of personalisation, and the attention to comfort and versatility reflects Dassault’s emphasis on making the journey as pleasurable as the destination.
Air Quality and Noise Reduction: Dassault places a premium on passenger well-being, and in the 10X, this translates to industry-leading cabin air quality and noise reduction. The aircraft is equipped with an advanced pressurisation system that maintains cabin altitude at 3,000 feet, even when flying at 41,000 feet. This ensures passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed, a particular benefit for long-haul flights. Furthermore, Dassault has employed sophisticated noise-cancelling technology, ensuring a cabin quieter than any previous Falcon model and far quieter than many competitive aircraft.
The Latest Fly-By-Wire System: Dassault pioneered the use of fly-by-wire technology in business jets, and the 10X benefits from a new iteration of this system, making it one of the most advanced in the industry. This system not only makes the plane easier and safer to fly by automatically adjusting control surfaces in real-time to manage turbulence, but it also reduces pilot workload and enhances the aircraft’s ability to operate efficiently in varying weather conditions. Dassault’s “Digital Flight Control System” (DFCS) on the 10X has been upgraded to allow for even smoother flights, ensuring greater passenger comfort.
Advanced Flight Deck and AI Assistance: The Falcon 10X’s flight deck features Dassault’s next-generation touchscreen avionics suite. The cockpit has been designed around the pilot, with easy-to-read displays and improved ergonomics for an intuitive flying experience. Moreover, Dassault has incorporated artificial intelligence to assist pilots in complex situations, such as managing fuel and optimising flight paths, offering an added layer of safety.
Global Range with Short-Field Performance: Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Falcon 10X is its unique balance of ultra-long-range capability and operational flexibility. While the jet is capable of long-haul flights from Paris to Los Angeles or New York to Hong Kong, its design also allows it to operate on shorter runways. This means the 10X can access airports close to city centres, including some smaller regional airports where many long-range jets can’t land. Dassault has bridged a crucial gap between range and accessibility, ensuring that owners can land closer to their final destination and enjoy better flexibility in trip planning.
Dassault’s Commitment to Sustainability
In line with the increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility in aviation, the Falcon 10X is designed with sustainability in mind. The Pearl 10X engines are compatible with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Dassault has worked to reduce the carbon footprint of both the manufacturing process and the aircraft’s operational footprint. The aircraft’s wing design also contributes to lower fuel consumption and emissions, a significant consideration as the aviation industry faces growing pressure to adopt greener technologies.
A New Era for Dassault Aviation
The Dassault Falcon 10X is more than a luxurious business jet; it’s a statement of what is possible when decades of innovation, technology, and passion converge. By combining an ultra-long-range with unmatched cabin space, customisation, and advanced flight capabilities, Dassault has created an aircraft that sets a new standard in the world of private aviation. Whether flying halfway around the world or accessing small, exclusive airports, the Falcon 10X ensures that each journey is as efficient, comfortable, and exhilarating as possible.
As Dassault Aviation prepares to roll out the Falcon 10X in 2025, it’s clear that they’re not just joining the ranks of ultra-long-range business jets—they’re reshaping the category. For the discerning traveller, the Falcon 10X promises not just a flight but an experience that makes every mile memorable. In a market where prestige and performance meet, the Falcon 10X reigns supreme, defining the future of luxury aviation.