Dassault aviation has confirmed that it is talking to engine manufacturers on possible re-engining of the twin-engined Falcon 2000 business jet to give the aircraft more range.
A company source says the studies are at a "preliminary level" and would not result in the aircraft being offered with a change of powerplant from the current General Electric/AlliedSignal CFE738 turbofan "before 2003/4 at the earliest".
Engines under study include the new AlliedSignal AS900 and Pratt & Whitney PW308 turbofans that are in development and that offer lower operating costs and reduced fuel consumption compared to the older CFE738.
According to an industry source, a new engine would yield a range improvement of between 5% and 10% on the Falcon 2000's 5,550km (3,000nm) capability. A change of powerplant is the only way of achieving the range increase, since the Falcon 2000 could not be modified to carry more fuel without major changes, including a new wing.
The Falcon 2000 clocked up its 153rd sale at Paris.
Source: Flight International
