Overview of the Falcon 10
The Falcon 10 is a private jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace company. It's a twin-engine, mid-range business jet designed for comfort, performance, and reliability. The Falcon 10 made its first flight in 2000 and achieved type certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2002.
Technical Specifications
The Falcon 10 has the following technical specifications:
-
Dimensions:
- Length: 17.27 meters (56 feet 6 inches)
- Wingspan: 15.43 meters (50 feet 7 inches)
- Height: 5.13 meters (16 feet 10 inches)
-
Weight:
- Empty weight: 6,800 kilograms (15,000 pounds)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 9,600 kilograms (21,200 pounds)
-
Engines:
- Type: Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turboprop engines
- Thrust: 850 horsepower each
- Fuel efficiency: 0.45 liters per kilometer (100 mpg)
-
Performance:
- Maximum speed: Mach 0.74 (875 km/h or 544 mph)
- Range: 4,000 kilometers (2,500 miles) with eight passengers and full fuel
- Cruising altitude: 12,200 meters (40,000 feet)
-
Capacity:
- Passengers: Up to eight
- Cargo: 1,140 kilograms (2,500 pounds) or 3.5 cubic meters (123 cu ft)
- Crew: Two pilots and a flight attendant
Design and Features
The Falcon 10 features a unique design with a high-aspect-ratio wing, optimized for performance and efficiency. It also boasts advanced avionics and a comfortable cabin designed to provide an exceptional passenger experience.
History and Development
The development of the Falcon 10 began in the late 1990s, with significant milestones including:
- First flight: June 2000
- Certification: March 2002 from EASA
- Entry into service: September 2003
- Significant upgrades or variants: None mentioned for this model
Operational Use
The Falcon 10 is used by various private aviation companies, charter operators, and individual owners. It's popular for short- to mid-range flights due to its fuel efficiency and range.
Interesting Facts
Here are a few interesting facts about the Falcon 10:
- The Falcon 10 has a unique design that allows it to achieve a high cruise altitude, which reduces turbulence and provides smoother flights.
- The aircraft has been used for record-breaking flights, including a flight from Paris to Tokyo in just under 12 hours.
- The Falcon 10 has appeared in various films and television shows, such as the James Bond movie "Casino Royale" (2006) and the TV series "White Collar" (2009-2014).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Falcon 10 unique?
The Falcon 10's high-aspect-ratio wing design, advanced avionics, and comfortable cabin make it a standout in its class.
How much does the Falcon 10 cost?
The price of a Falcon 10 can range from $6 million to $8 million, depending on the configuration, customization, and location.