On September 19, Dassault’s third Falcon 7X spread its wings for the first time. Piloted by Dominique Chenevier and Etienne Faurdessus, the aircraft departed from the manufacturer’s facility in Bordeaux-Merignac, France.

The aircraft climbed to 41,000 feet and reached speeds of up to Mach 0.82, before landing at the Dassault Aviation Flight Test Centre in Istres.

Falcon 7X serial number 03 will primarily be used for avionics, systems and function and reliability testing.

To date, the 7X flight test programme has logged 171 hours from 60 flights. “The low speed handling quality of the 7X is very promising,” said senior test pilot Yves ‘Bill’ Kerherve. “The landing performance of this aeroplane has met our highest expectations following simulation work.”

Ten pilots have so far piloted the 7X, including one from EASA. Dassault states that the programme is expected to log some 1,200 test hours prior to FAA and EASA certification, which is expected towards the end of next year.