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The runway is now clear for takeoff, as approval has been granted for the engine that will power the extra widebody Dassault Falcon 6X, bringing the jet aircraft one step closer to entering into service.
Dassault Aviation announced Wednesday that Transport Canada, which oversees transportation regulations in that country, has approved Pratt andamp; Whitney's PW800 family of high-efficiency engines.
The company says the 13,500 lb-thrust PW812D will provide the Falcon 6X with a range of up to 5,100 nautical miles at Mach 0.85.
"Pratt andamp; Whitney Canada's PW812D engine is a major step forward in fuel efficiency, maintainability and performance, and will help make the 6X a truly outstanding aircraft," said Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier.
The newly approved engine powers the three Falcon 6X aircraft currently in flight testing, thus far logging more than 500 flight test hours and 150 flights, since its maiden flight in March 2021.
First announced in 2018, the Falcon 6X will have a cabin that is 6 feet 6 inches tall and 8 feet 6 inches wide.
The Falcon 10X has since surpassed 6X to offer an even larger cabin, planning to offer the largest in the business jet world.
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Dassault also announced Wednesday that an initial production aircraft with a fully outfitted cabin will soon join the Falcon 6X development program. It will embark on a global run to test its performance in a real-world business-aviation environment, including remote and environmentally challenging destinations.
The program also includes the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with a Falcon 6X landing last month in Paris where it was refueled with an SAF blend provided by Total Energies.
When the first Falcon 6X was rolled out in December 2020, Trappier called it "a major step forward for large-cabin business jet operators."
Dassault says its test pilots have lauded the Falcon 6X for its smooth handling. The company is aiming to acquire type certification for the Falcon 6X by late next year.