Falcon 50

Introduction

The Dassault Falcon 50 is a legendary tri-jet business aircraft that blends long-range capability, balanced performance, and remarkable reliability. Introduced in the late 1970s by Dassault Aviation, the Falcon 50 was designed as a transcontinental and transoceanic business jet with the versatility to operate from shorter runways. Known for its distinctive three-engine configuration, it offers added safety for overwater flights and exceptional climb performance. Even decades after its debut, the Falcon 50 remains popular among private jet travelers and charter operators thanks to its comfortable cabin, proven airframe, and ability to access airports that many large-cabin jets cannot.

Whether it’s a nonstop coast-to-coast trip in the United States or a journey across the Atlantic, the Falcon 50 continues to deliver a balance of luxury, performance, and operational flexibility that appeals to a wide variety of travelers.

Specification of Dassault Falcon 50

• Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation

• Aircraft Type: Super midsize business jet

• Crew: 2 pilots

• Passenger Capacity: 8–10 passengers

• Length: 60 ft 9 in (18.52 m)

• Wingspan: 61 ft 9 in (18.82 m)

• Height: 22 ft 9 in (6.93 m)

• Cabin Length: 23 ft 5 in (7.14 m)

• Cabin Width: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)

• Cabin Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)

• Baggage Capacity: 115 cubic ft (internal and external compartments)

• Engines: 3 × Honeywell TFE731-3-1C turbofan engines

• Thrust: 3,700 lbf per engine

• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 39,700 lbs (18,008 kg)

Performance and Range of Dassault Falcon 50

The Falcon 50 is renowned for its performance in a wide variety of conditions. With a maximum cruising speed of around 480 knots (Mach 0.80) and a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km), it is ideal for nonstop travel between major cities such as New York and London, Paris and Dubai, or Los Angeles and Honolulu.

The triple-engine setup gives the Falcon 50 an advantage in safety and redundancy, especially on long overwater flights where ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) restrictions don’t apply. It also provides impressive short-field capabilities, allowing it to operate from runways as short as 4,500 feet. This opens up smaller regional airports and private airfields closer to passengers’ final destinations, saving valuable travel time.

Its climb rate is equally noteworthy, reaching 37,000 feet in under 20 minutes, allowing for efficient routing above commercial traffic and turbulence.

Cabin Comfort and Interior of Dassault Falcon 50

The Dassault Falcon 50 offers a spacious and elegant cabin designed for productivity and relaxation. Seating configurations typically include club-style arrangements with swivel and recline features, complemented by divans and fold-out worktables. The cabin’s 5 ft 9 in height allows passengers to move comfortably, and the width accommodates a variety of seating layouts for 8–10 travelers.

Soundproofing measures and aerodynamic refinements make the Falcon 50’s cabin exceptionally quiet, enhancing passenger comfort on long journeys. Large panoramic windows flood the interior with natural light, while advanced climate control maintains optimal temperature and air quality.

Additional amenities include:

• Fully enclosed lavatory

• Well-equipped galley for hot and cold meal preparation

• In-flight entertainment systems

• Optional satellite communications and Wi-Fi

• Ample baggage storage, accessible during flight

The combination of spaciousness, seating flexibility, and luxury finishes makes the Falcon 50’s interior ideal for both business executives and leisure travelers.

Avionics and Technology of Dassault Falcon 50

When introduced, the Falcon 50 featured advanced avionics for its era, and many aircraft have since been upgraded to modern flight deck standards. The original cockpit included the Collins Pro Line II avionics suite, with dual flight management systems, weather radar, and autopilot.

Today, many operators have retrofitted their Falcon 50s with enhanced avionics to meet current navigation and safety requirements, such as:

• Glass cockpit displays for improved situational awareness

• Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II)

• Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS)

• ADS-B Out compliance

• Precision GPS navigation and RNP approaches

The tri-jet design not only offers redundancy but also better centerline thrust distribution, improving handling in the event of an engine failure. Combined with Dassault’s renowned aerodynamic engineering, the Falcon 50 delivers a smooth, stable ride in varying flight conditions.

Operational Advantages of Dassault Falcon 50

The Falcon 50’s standout operational advantages include:

1. Tri-Jet Safety and Redundancy – Three Honeywell TFE731 engines provide an extra layer of security, particularly for transoceanic flights.

2. Short-Field Capability – Operates from shorter runways compared to many other jets in its class, enabling access to remote or business-critical locations.

3. Long-Range Flexibility – Nonstop connections between continents without the need for refueling stops.

4. Versatility in Altitude and Routing – Can cruise at altitudes up to 49,000 feet, avoiding congested airspace and weather systems.

5. Strong Resale and Support Network – Backed by Dassault’s global maintenance and parts network, ensuring reliability and ease of upkeep.

These advantages make the Falcon 50 attractive for charter operators, corporate fleets, and private owners seeking maximum flexibility in operations.

Who Should Charter Dassault Falcon 50

The Dassault Falcon 50 is an excellent choice for:

• Corporate Executives & Business Teams – Its cabin layout supports productivity, private meetings, and confidential conversations during flight.

• Luxury Leisure Travelers – Families and groups traveling for vacations benefit from its comfort, range, and ability to reach exclusive destinations.

• Government & Diplomatic Missions – The Falcon 50’s range, reliability, and communication capabilities make it ideal for official travel.

• Remote Access Travelers – Those needing to access smaller airports without compromising on comfort or range.

• International Business Flyers – Professionals traveling between continents without frequent stops will appreciate the nonstop capabilities.

Charter Cost Estimates for Dassault Falcon 50

Chartering a Dassault Falcon 50 typically costs between $4,500 and $6,000 per flight hour, depending on factors like:

• Flight distance and routing

• Availability of aircraft in the region

• Seasonal demand

• Additional services such as catering, ground transportation, or Wi-Fi

For example, a New York to Los Angeles trip could cost between $40,000 and $50,000 round trip, while a London to Dubai journey may be priced between $55,000 and $65,000. Empty-leg flights can sometimes offer reduced pricing for flexible travelers.

Conclusion

The Dassault Falcon 50 remains a highly respected aircraft in the business aviation world thanks to its blend of long-range capability, tri-jet safety, short-field performance, and cabin comfort. While newer models like the Falcon 900 or Falcon 7X have taken its place in production, the Falcon 50 continues to be a favorite among charter travelers and corporate fleets worldwide.

Its ability to fly transatlantic routes, operate from smaller airports, and deliver a luxurious travel experience makes it a versatile option for both business and leisure purposes. For travelers who value reliability, range, and flexibility without stepping into a large-cabin heavy jet, the Falcon 50 stands as a proven, timeless choice.