Dassault rolls-out first Falcon 8X

Falcon 8X roll-out ceromony

Dassault has rolled out the first of its new $58 million Falcon 8X at a special ceremony held at the company’s Bordeaux manufacturing facility.

The event was attended by Dassault staff, along with the company’s partners and customers.

Following a short speech by Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, a screen that was hiding the Falcon 8X from view was taken down, and the aircraft was brought forward.

“Dassault’s tradition of innovation and excellence helps explain the success of the Falcon 7X. More than 250 aircraft have been built in the seven years since service introduction, and demand remains strong. We anticipate a similarly bright future for the 8X,” said Trappier.

Announced at the  European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE) in May 2014, the Falcon 8X is a one meter stretch of the 250+ selling Falcon 7X.

As well as a larger fuselage, the 8X also increases the range over the 7X, by adding a further 500nm.

“We are extremely happy with progress on our new Falcon flagship,” said Olivier Villa, senior vice president, civil aircraft. “The programme is right on schedule and all systems are performing exactly as designed.”

Three aircraft will be used in the flight test program, including one aircraft with a full production interior.

Falcon 8X serial numbers start at 401.