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Falcon 20

Large jet

The Dassault Falcon 20 is the founding model of the Falcon line, born from fighter-jet heritage. It delivers midsize cabin comfort (5,7 ft in height) with high speed (Mach 0.88 max) and reliable performance, pioneering executive and express freight travel.

Fighter-Jet Heritage

Overview

The Dassault Falcon 20, which first flew in 1963 and entered service in 1965, is the foundational aircraft of the Falcon family, developed with technology drawn directly from Dassault's military fighter jet programs. This blend of expertise established a legacy of robust structure and high performance. The aircraft’s success was built on its early adoption of midsize comfort, featuring a wide fuselage that provided genuine 5,7 feet of standing headroom and spacious volume, a level of comfort unseen in most light jets of its time. Originally powered by General Electric CF700 turbofan engines, its durability and performance were famously trusted by FedEx founder Fred Smith who chose the Falcon 20 to launch the company's overnight express delivery service. Today, many Falcon 20s have been re-engined with modern, fuel-efficient Honeywell TFE731 turbofans (F-5 variants), enhancing range and reducing noise. This evolution cemented Dassault’s reputation for blending fighter-jet agility with uncompromising executive utility and comfort.

Spacious and Robust

Luxury interior

The Falcon 20's interior provided comfort and volume unseen in its era, establishing the foundation for all subsequent Falcon executive jets. Its spacious, wide cabin and executive features perfectly complement its fighter-jet derived structural integrity.

Executive Stand-Up Cabin

The Falcon 20 was a pioneer, providing 5,7 feet of standing headroom and a 6,1 feet in width. This midsize volume created superior mobility and comfort for up to 10 passengers.

Robust Executive Configuration

The 24-foot-long cabin easily accommodates double club seating, a full refreshment center, and an enclosed aft lavatory, maximizing executive privacy and utility on long-range missions.

Fighter-Jet Structural Quality

Derived from military design, the robust structure and superior sound dampening ensure a quiet, stable ride, enhancing passenger comfort and the overall feeling of safety and reliability.

Key Specifications & Performance

Technical Characteristics

The Falcon 20 provides high cruise speed and excellent climb performance, backed by its robust, fighter-jet derived airframe.

Performance

Maximum Cruise Speed

465 knots (861 km/h)

Maximum Range

1,808 nautical miles (3,348 km)

Service Ceiling

42,000 feet (12,802 m)

Takeoff Distance

4,950 feet (1,509 m)

Landing Distance

1,980 feet (604 m)

Rate of Climb

3,820 feet/minute (1,164 meters/minute)

Capacity

Passengers

10 (Typical configuration is 8–9)

Crew

2 (Pilot & Co-Pilot)

Cabin Volume

700 cubic feet (19.82 cubic meters)

Cabin Dimensions

Length: 24,4 ft (7,44 m)

Width: 6,1 ft (1,86 m)

Height: 5,7 ft (1,74 m)

Fuel & Engines

Fuel Capacity

9,098 pounds (4,127 kg)

Engines

2 x Honeywell TFE731-5BR (Re-Engined)

Twin aft-mounted, high-efficiency turbofans with ATTCS (Automatic Takeoff Thrust Control System), providing superior range, low noise, and better fuel economy than original models.

Thrust (each)

4,750 pounds of thrust (21.13 kN)

Cargo & Access

Cargo Door Size

Luggage is stored in a dedicated internal closet/storage area (accessible in flight). Note: Cargo versions feature a huge 73 in x 55 in cargo door for freight.

Baggage Compartment

41 cubic feet (1.16 cubic meters)

Approximately 4–5 standard suitcases or soft bags.

Agility and Digital Reliability

Key feature

The Falcon 20’s enduring legacy is built on a foundation of military-grade engineering and advanced systems. These two features define its exceptional operational envelope, assuring the client of tactical agility, reliable power management, and a robust platform for high-speed executive travel.

Fighter-Jet Derived Wing Design

Performance & Technical Excellence

The Falcon 20 incorporates advanced wing technology transferred directly from Dassault's military fighter jet programs, giving it unique operational advantages.The highly swept wing features sophisticated high-lift devices, including leading-edge slats and double-slotted flaps. This complex aerodynamic system maximizes lift and control at slow speeds, ensuring exceptional short-field handling and stability during takeoff and landing maneuvers. For the passenger, this translates into a smoother, more controlled ride, particularly in approach and departure phases, while guaranteeing access to a far greater network of regional airports. This robust, fighter-like engineering provides superior handling stability compared to conventional designs, solidifying the Falcon 20's reputation for structural integrity and reliable performance across all phases of flight. The agility afforded by this military-derived design is a key reason the aircraft was chosen for rigorous daily use by major express freight companies.

Automatic Thrust Control System (ATTCS)

Safety & Operational Advantage

The re-engined Falcon 20 (F-5 variant) incorporates the advanced Automatic Takeoff Thrust Control System (ATTCS), a crucial operational safety feature. ATTCS is a computerized system that automatically monitors engine performance during the critical takeoff phase. In the event that one engine fails or loses thrust, ATTCS automatically advances the power on the remaining engine(s) to a pre-set emergency rating. This action ensures that the jet maintains the necessary performance margins for a safe takeoff continuation or rejection, dramatically enhancing safety assurance. For the charter client, this advanced electronic monitoring system guarantees reliable, predictable power delivery when it matters most, minimizing the risk of a performance-related incident. This indispensable layer of operational safety reduces pilot workload and ensures that the Falcon 20 operates with the utmost confidence, regardless of weather or runway conditions.

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