Dassault is speeding up 7X production to three aircraft a month next year, despite a three-month delay to certification after implementing winglets as standard on new machines. The decision to increase the range from 11,100km (6,000nm) by fitting winglets and increasing fuel capacity pushes final certification into 2007 rather than the last quarter of 2006.
Olivier Villa, senior vice-president of civil aircraft, says that the company is delighted with the design of the wing. Because the maximum take-off weight will increase, the 7X’s three P&W307A engines will be upgraded to give 6,400lb of thrust (2.5kN).
Source: Flight Daily News
