Falcon 200

BRIEF HISTORY – FALCON 200

DASSAULT FALCON 200 (1983-1988)
The twin-engine Falcon 200 was a follow-on to the enormously popular Falcon 20, an airplane designed to fighter jet specifications with an unlimited-life airframe, courtesy to Federal Express in the 1970s, who began operating Falcon 20’s at four times the frequency that designers had envisioned. Some of these planes are still in use by minor freight businesses. While the airframe of the 20 was strong, the noisy, gas-guzzling GE CF700 engines confined the midsize passenger plane to extremely short legs.Dassault started development in 1973 on the Falcon 50 trijet, which retained the 20’s fuselage but had three, more fuel-efficient, Garrett (now Honeywell) engines and enough range to fly coast to coast. Simultaneously, it also started work on the Falcon 200, a considerably enhanced version of the 20. The 200 included a new and more comfortable cabin, Garrett ATF3 engines that were more powerful and efficient, a modified wing, and first-generation glass cockpit avionics. The Falcon 200 would make its first delivery in 1983. Shortly after in 1988, Dassault abruptly ended manufacturing of the 200. Many were baffled at why Dassault made this decision but it is clear in retrospect what happened and it comes down to too much innovation and performance. The Falcon 200 was significantly impacting the sales of its similar but more expensive larger jets such as the Falcon 50. To continue the success across its other platforms it had to sacrifice its preverbal “golden goose”. Dassault would quietly try to buy back the 33 that were delivered and the owners were not interested at all. This aircraft has to have one of the most interesting stories around. Dassault only acknowledges its existence once on its official history on their website. Strange, one would think you would want to feature such a high performing aircraft?

CABIN COMFORTS – FALCON 200
The cabins of Falcon 200s boast the largest Midsize Jet cabin of its time and would remain number one until Embraer would come along with their Legacy 450.  The cabin has a length of 24 feet 4 inches, a height of almost 5 feet 8 inches, and a width of almost 6 feet 2 inches. Eight executive chairs may be arranged in a  double-club layout, or a club, divan, and individual seat configuration, either way it can comfortably accommodate eight passengers.Additional interior features include the largest in-class galley as well as fully enclosed, with a solid door, lavatory. The 200, when compared to the 20, has a far superior cabin, a larger galley, larger aft lavatory, and a new, externally loaded baggage capacity of adding 28 cubic feet to its capacity. It has two interior baggage compartments, one forward of 35 cubic feet and the aft which is 15 cubic feet, totaling 78 cubic feet of luggage capacity.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE – FALCON 200
Since the Original Falcon 20, this aircraft compares much more closely to the Falcon 50 and that is in big part due to its impressive engines. The Falcon 200 is powered by two military-grade, Garrett ATF 3-6A-4C engines, each with a thrust rating of 5,200 pounds. The jet can fly at a high-speed cruise of 466 knots and has a maximum certified flight ceiling of 42,000 feet while maintaining a cabin pressure of 8,000 feet. This was the fastest on the market until the Citation X would come along. It requires more runway than the Falcon 20 as it has a higher payload as well, it needs 5,400 feet of runway to take-off and 2,813 feet to land at sea level. Under ideal conditions, it has a max range of 2,590 miles.

FLIGHT DECK
The avionics system found in Falcon 200’s varies with age and refurbishment, however, it was claimed to have used the most modern analog and electromechanical technologies available at the time of production. The majority of them now have dual Collins VHF 20 communications, VIR 30 navs, dual DME, dual transponders, Collins AP 105 autopilot, and Sperry Primus 400 color weather radar.

CHARTER A FALCON 200
It’s no surprise that the Falcon 200’s beginnings are traced back to military jets in the French military, given it boasts an industry-leading top speed (at the time). It has one of the largest cabins in the midsize jet category. If you can get your hands on one still, the entire trip will be comfortable for you and your passengers. Reach out today to discuss your upcoming travel!