Dassault Aviation debuted its Falcon 5X aircraft, which will compete in the large-cabin, long-range business aviation market.

Dassault Aviation debuts its Falcon 5X. Image source: dassault-aviationThe Falcon 5X has a range of 9,630 km and features what the manufacturer says is an “ultra-efficient” wing, an advanced digital flight control system derived from the Rafale fighter jet and a Snecma Silvercrest engine that offers 15% better fuel efficiency compared with other powerplants in the same thrust class.

The jet will also have a redesigned cockpit equipped with the third generation of Dassault’s EASy flight deck aircraft and engine health monitoring systems.

The first 5X was powered up and began system ground tests last autumn. It was joined by aircraft No. 2 earlier in 2015. Testing on the global simulation bench, which replicates the 5X’s main systems, is under way and the company says that static and fatigue tests on a dedicated airframe has begun.

Tests of the Falcon 5X’s Silvercrest engine are also progressing, both on the ground and on Snecma’s flying test bed. Dessault Aviation says the aircraft’s maiden flight is expected before the end of the summer.

Final assembly and testing will take place at the Mérignac facility near Bordeaux, France.