Dassault Falcon 900C
The Dassault Family creates jets with high standards of engineering, structural quality, and technological advancement. Dassault is constantly redesigning and improving their aircraft to uphold these standards. In the intercontinental business jet category, the tri-jet Falcon 900s excel. Introduced in 2000, the Falcon 900C is the sculpted, evolved version of its predecessor, the original Falcon 900, combining the 900B’s improvements with the innovative avionics of the 900EX.
Improvements made in the 900B that the newer variant maintains are a 5.5% increase in takeoff thrust, a 6.5% increase in thrust at altitude and a 2% increase in TSFC (Thrust Specific Fuel Consumption), resulting in an increase in range to 4,583 nautical miles. The aircraft also enjoys better visibility approach clearance (Category II) and operation on unprepared strips that its original predecessor cannot.
The 900C is powered by three AlliedSignal TFE731-5BR-1C turbofan engines, each with 4,750 lbs of thrust. Their inspection interval is 4,200 hours. The aircraft can travel 3,995 nautical miles at as high as mach .84. Its high speed cruise is 474 knots and 51,000 feet is its flight ceiling, a rare feat. Also, the 900B is designed with airfoil wings – the same as the Falcon 50 series but with a 1.5 ft increase.
For the Falcon 900C, Dassault selected the advanced Honeywell Primus 2000 5-tube EFIS avionics system that its more expensive counterpart, the 900EX, employs. Included in the system is dual Honeywell Primus 2000 FCS, dual Honeywell GPS, dual Honeywell FMZ 2000 FMS, dual Laseref III IRS, dual AZ840 air data systems, DL900 data loader, Primus 880 color weather radar, and single AA300 radar altimeter. The Collins Proline 4 Arinc 429 com/nav system comes standard, along with a Collins HF radio, Allied Signal EGPWS, CVR, DFDR, and an ELT.
Like its predecessors, the 900C boasts a large cabin, fit for intercontinental range accommodations. It has room for eighteen passengers in a tight configuration, but typically seats 8-12 in a three-lounge executive arrangement. The spacious cabin measures 6.2 feet in height (full stand-up), 7.7 feet in width, and 39 feet in length. Amenities include a full-sized private lavatory and galley, and 127 cubic feet of passenger-accessible baggage space.
The 900C takes the performance capabilities of the successful 900B and interlocks them with the advanced systems in the superior 900EX. The Falcon 900C is a great, intercontinental business jet that upholds Dassault’s promise to present the latest and most innovative technology to the skies.