Dassault is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Falcon brand at EBACE by showing off one of the latest members of the family - although not the long-anticipated SMS, which is likely to be launched at NBAA.

The French company's line-up includes the recently certificated Falcon 2000S, Dassault's new entry-level jet, along with the Falcon 900LX long-range aircraft and the top-of-the-line Falcon 7X.

The show will also highlight the EASy II advanced avionics suite, FalconCabin HD+ entertainment system and FalconBroadcast airborne health monitoring service, which were expanded to all new Falcon models in the first half of 2013.

 
 
Dassault Falcon  

 Dassault

Dassault says the 3,350nm (6,200km) Falcon 2000S brings "large-cabin size and comfort to the super-midsize price segment" and comes equipped with a "full slate of popular features". Standard equipment includes EASy II, FalconCabin HD+ and a cabin conceived with BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The 2000S was certificated by the US Federal Aviation Administration and EASA in April and has already entered service.

The new 4,000nm Falcon 2000LXS was also certificated in April. It combines the short field performance of the 2000S with the long-range capability of the LX that it will replace by the end of 2013.

The 2000S and 2000LXS are both fitted with moveable inboard slats and winglets that permit them to operate from hard-to-access airports such as London City, with its challenging steep approaches and short runway.

Some hoped Dassault would finally reveal details at EBACE of the jet programme it has been working on for several years, known as SMS. However, this new aircraft is now thought likely to be unveiled at Las Vegas in October.

This year's EBACE coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Falcon brand. The first Falcon - born the Mystère 20 and later rechristened the Falcon 20 at the behest of its launch customer, Pan American Airways - first flew on 1963 and is claimed to be the first true business jet.

"The 50th anniversary is far more than a celebration of the past," says Eric Trappier, chairman and chief executive of Dassault Aviation. "Sure, it's a convenient milestone to recall a rich heritage peppered with wonderful stories from our many customers. But, first and foremost, it's a window into a very bright future, beginning with a brand new model, code named SMS, to be unveiled in the autumn."

Check out the latest news and views from this year's EBACE show, including:

Finally, our first new-look iFlights will contain exclusive footage from EBACE 2013. Find out more from 21 May

 

Source: Flight Daily News

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