Long Range Jet
Dassault Falcon 8X
Range
6,450 NM
Cruise speed
492 kts
Seats
12-14
History
Dassault started work on the 8X in 2011 under the internal name M1000, and it was the largest Falcon at that point. It grew out of the 7X: the fuselage is longer, the aerodynamics were refined and the fuel tanks hold more. Like its predecessor, it is flown through a fly-by-wire control system. Deliveries began in 2016 and the type is still in production.
Gulfstream's G650 and the Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000 have more range and speed, but the 8X burns less fuel than those rivals despite its three engines, which keeps operating costs down. Its maximum landing weight is only a few tonnes below its take-off weight, so it can fly several legs on one fuel load. A military variant, the Archange, is built for electronic reconnaissance.
Technical Specifications
General information
| Model name | Falcon 8X |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Dassault Aviation |
| Aircraft category | long range jet |
| ICAO Designator | FA8X |
| Start/End of Production | 2016 - Still in production |
| Number of pilot(s) | 2-3 |
Performances
| Range (with IFR reserves) | 6450 NM (11945 km) |
|---|---|
| Ferry range | 6450 NM (11945 km) |
| Cruise speed | 492 kts (911 km/h) |
| Max Operating Speed – VMO | 370 KIAS |
| Max Mach Operating Speed - MMO | Mach 0.9 |
| Long-Range Cruise Speed - LRC | 488 KTAS |
| Approach Speed | 107 kts |
| Takeoff Distance | 1792 m |
| Average Landing Distance | 650 m |
| Service Ceiling | 51000 ft |
| Thrust | 6722 lbf |
Aircraft technology
| Engine type | Turbofan |
|---|---|
| Engine(s) | 3 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307D |
| Avionics | EASy III / IV (Honeywell Primus Epic) |
Dimensions and capacity
| Aircraft length | 24.46 m |
|---|---|
| Aircraft height | 7.94 m |
| Wing span | 26.29 m |
| Cabin height | 1.88 m (6.17 ft) |
| Cabin length | 13.0 m (42.67 ft) |
| Cabin width | 2.34 m (7.67 ft) |
| Baggage volume | 4 m3 |
| Seats (standard config) | 12-14 |
| Seats (max) | 19 |
| Suitcases | 16 |
| Carry-on luggage | 14 |
| Maximum payload | 2223 kg |
| Maximum TakeOff Weight - MTOW | 33113 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight - MLW | 28304 kg |
| Fuel capacity | 19925 L |
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Coast to coast in record time: In 2019 a Falcon 8X flew from Santa Monica on the US West Coast to Teterboro, New Jersey, in 4 hours 28 minutes, setting a speed record for the crossing of roughly 3,950 km. Rival Gulfstream and Bombardier jets have higher published figures, yet the record on that route went to the 8X.
- Reach from Europe: Departing Europe, the 8X can fly nonstop to Asia, the Middle East, both North and South America, and as far south as the tip of Africa. Dassault credits the larger fuel capacity and low consumption, and rates the aircraft up to 20 per cent more efficient on fuel than any rival in the ultra-long-range class.
- A current interior: The 8X cabin reflects present-day design rather than the dated look of some older long-range jets, with amenities on a par with a good hotel. Few cabins in its market are larger or quieter.
- Short and demanding runways: For its size, the 8X handles short, difficult strips well, including La Môle near Saint-Tropez and Vatry in the Champagne region. Landing closer to your final destination cuts the time spent on the road afterwards, which business travellers value.
- Design pedigree: Dassault also builds fighter aircraft such as the Rafale, and that engineering background shows in the 8X, together with a distinctly French approach to design. For travellers who care about the look and feel of the cabin as much as the performance figures, it is a strong choice.
Disadvantages
- Expensive to buy: The 8X sits near the top of the market on purchase price, and second-hand examples are few and not much cheaper than new ones. Its low fuel burn offsets some of this in charter rates, but it remains a premium option.
- Too much aircraft for short hops: The large cabin and fuel capacity suit long trips with bigger groups or extra baggage. On short flights within Europe, a smaller jet such as the Falcon 2000LXS or Falcon 6X offers similar comfort at a lower cost.
FAQ
Which airports can a Falcon 8X use?
Falcons generally perform well on short runways, and the 8X is no exception. It is certified for steep approaches, so it can operate at London City, and it flies into Aspen, Lugano and Gstaad as readily as into major hubs. Many other ultra-long-range jets cannot use these airports, which can shorten the transfer once you land.
How is the 8X different from the Falcon 7X?
Both have the same cabin width and height, but the 8X cabin is 1.09 metres longer. Stronger engines and a larger fuel tank add about 945 km to the 7X's range of 11,000 km, taking the 8X to 11,945 km. That extra distance can decide whether a flight from Europe to South America goes direct.
How many passengers does the Falcon 8X carry?
Dassault certifies the 8X for up to 19 passengers, but charter aircraft are rarely fitted that densely. The usual layout splits the cabin into three areas with four seats each, so plan on 12 passengers, or 14 in some configurations. The aircraft takes around 16 suitcases and 14 carry-on bags.
What is the Falcon 8X's nonstop range?
With IFR reserves it covers 6,450 nautical miles (11,945 km) at a cruise speed of 492 knots. That brings direct flights such as Paris to Singapore, London to Cape Town or New York to Dubai within range. For longer itineraries, our advisors confirm routing and any technical stop with the operator before quoting.
How does the 8X compare with the Global 7500 and the Gulfstream G650?
Both rivals fly further. The Global 7500 is rated for 7,700 nautical miles and cruises at 516 knots, and the G650 covers about 7,000 nautical miles (12,964 km), against 6,450 for the 8X. Both also offer more cabin space. The 8X answers with lower fuel burn and access to airports with tighter approach rules, which can matter more than outright range.
What will the Falcon 10X change?
Dassault plans for the 10X to start flying with customers in the late 2020s. It quotes 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 km) of range and a four-zone cabin wider than that of any other business jet. Until then, the 8X, in service since 2016 with a three-zone cabin, remains the Falcon flagship available for charter.
What does it cost to charter a Falcon 8X?
There is no fixed rate. The price depends on the route, your dates, where the nearest suitable aircraft is positioned and which operator flies it. Our advisors price each trip individually. The 8X's modest fuel burn for its size helps on longer sectors, but the quote always reflects the full itinerary.
Gallery
Figures are published manufacturer data, shown for illustration only. Images are generated for this concept and show the Falcon 8X type, not a specific aircraft. Dassault Aviation and Falcon 8X are trademarks of their owner, used only to identify the aircraft.