Dassault Aviation has clinched an order from Executive Jet for 25 Falcon 2000EX business jets and options for a further 25. The aircraft will be deployed with the NetJets fractional ownership programmes in the USA and Europe.
The 2000EX deal, announced at the show and potentially worth $1.2 billion, is a major boost for the newest member of the Falcon family. It brings the total of firm orders to 45 aircraft.
The new $24 million-Pratt and Whitney Canada PW308C-powered 2000EX offers a 25% increase in range compared with the in-service Falcon 2000. This allows it to fly from Europe to the US East Coast non-stop. Dassault says: "Based on a standard equipped aircraft with six passengers, the non-stop capability increases from 5,625km (3,040nm) in the Falcon 2000 to 7,030km in the EX. First flight is set for the fourth quarter of this year, US and European certification for the third quarter of 2002 and first deliveries for early 2003.
With a record 90 Falcons sold last year, of which 78 were to non-fractional companies, Dassault is planning to increase production to eight aircraft a month - one Falcon 50 and the remainder divided equally between the 900C/EX and 2000 models.
Meanwhile, Dassault and Honeywell Aerospace's Enhanced Avionics System (EASy) cockpit made its debut in a dedicated simulation mock-up, six months after the programme was unveiled.
Based on Honeywell's Primus Epic avionics system, the interactive digital cockpit is designed to reduce pilot workload and improve situational awareness.
Key features include: four 250mm x 330mm (10in x 13in) high resolution flat panel displays; flightpath-based symbology, derived from head-up guidance systems; map merging, giving the pilot the ability to overlay information on the same navigational display; vertical profile with terrain display and terrain threats computed from a database. All functions can be accessed via pull-down and pop-up menus, using a track-ball-like cursor device on the control pedestal. Most functions can also be performed using a standard multifunction keyboard or dedicated system controls.
Functional testing for the flight deck was completed this year on a Cessna Citation III. Last month EASy was installed on a Falcon 900EX, with certification testing to begin at year-end. Dassault is aiming for approval by late 2002, with deliveries starting in 2003. EASy will be fitted to 2000EX production aircraft, including those for Executive Jet, in 2004.
Source: Flight International
