Falcon 50
Dassault Aviation · France · first flew 1976 · airliner
The Dassault Falcon 50 is a French three-engine, long-range business jet, notable as the first purpose-designed intercontinental aircraft in its class.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × turbofan, tail-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18.52 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Three rear-mounted turbofans
- Swept low wing, T-tail
- Transatlantic-range business jet
The giveaway is the trio of turbofans clustered at the rear fuselage, two on side pods and one in an S-duct in the tail, beneath a swept T-tail. A slim swept low wing and pointed nose complete the classic Falcon look.
Specifications
- The Falcon 50 has a length of 18.52 m (61 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.86 m (62 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 902 km/h (560 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 plus cabin crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Dassault developed the Falcon 50 in the mid-1970s from the twin-engine Falcon 20, adding a third rear engine and a new supercritical wing for transatlantic reach; it first flew on 7 November 1976. The trijet layout gave range and overwater redundancy prized by corporate and government operators. It entered service in 1980 and remained in production until superseded by the Falcon 50EX.
Variants
The original Falcon 50 was joined by the upgraded Falcon 50EX with more efficient TFE731 engines and improved avionics. Some airframes have received EASy flight-deck and other modernisation packages. Special-mission conversions for maritime patrol and government transport also exist.
Where you'll see it
Widely flown by corporate operators and several governments and air arms, the Falcon 50 has served as a VIP and utility transport, with examples visiting and based in the UK on business-aviation duties. Its three-engine layout long made it a favourite for oceanic corporate travel.
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- Dassault Mirage 2000
- Dassault Super Étendard
- Dassault Falcon 10MER
- Dassault Mirage 4000
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- Boeing 747SP
- de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7
- Embraer EMB 110P Bandeirante
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