The Dassault Falcon 10X is the latest private jet to be announced from the French manufacturer. Up against it, we have the Gulfstream G700, the latest aircraft to be announced by the American manufacturer.
Both aircraft demonstrate the latest and greatest in comfort and technology within the private jet market.
These are the two newest flagship aircraft, with deliveries of the 10X due to start in 2025. In comparison, deliveries of the G700 were set to start in 2022.
Therefore, given that these are two of the newest, most expensive, and most capable aircraft around, how do they stack up against each other? And, ultimately, which aircraft is better?
Performance
The Dassault Falcon 10X is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl engines. Unfortunately, the total thrust output figures are not available yet. However, we can estimate a total thrust output of around 36,000 lbs.
Interestingly, one has to consider whether this definitively marks the end of the tri-jet era. For example, the other newest aircraft that Dassault have produced is the Falcon 6X. An aircraft that also only has two engines.
Have Dassault concluded that three engines just isn’t necessary anymore? Will the 900LX, 7X and 8X be the last of the tri-jets?
On the other hand, the Gulfstream G700 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, with each one outputting up to 18,250 lbs of thrust. This, therefore, results in a total thrust output of 36,500 lbs for the G700.
When it comes to maximum cruise speed these aircraft are evenly matched. Both aircraft are able to cruise at up to 516 knots or 0.925 Mach. For reference, Mach 1 is the speed of sound.
Consequently, this speed places both aircraft in the joint position of the fastest in-production business jets.
Naturally, as you would expect from these aircraft, both are able to cruise at up to 51,000 feet.
When it comes to average fuel burn figures, we currently only have data for the G700. Unfortunately, there is currently no fuel burn data for the Falcon 10X. However, given the similarities of these aircraft, it can be estimated to be around 400 Gallons per Hour (GPH).
However, for the G700, the average hourly fuel burn figure comes in at 382 Gallons per Hour (GPH). This is an average figure for an aircraft of its size. See how it compares with other large jets here.
Range
In terms of range, these two aircraft are evenly matched. Both have a maximum range of 7,500 nautical miles.
This places the two aircraft with the same range figure as the Gulfstream G650ER.
In fact, there is only one business jet that can fly further than these aircraft and that is the Bombardier Global 7500. The Global 7500 has a range of 7,700 nautical miles.
Of course, as with every manufacturer stated range figures, these numbers are somewhat optimistic.
However, if you take these range figures at face value, then both aircraft are capable at flying non-stop between Los Angeles and Bangkok.
Ground Performance
At this point it is important to point out that the Falcon 10X has been designed and developed to keep up with the G700.
This can be seen from all the previous facts and figures about these aircraft. And, as you would expect, the ground performance figures are no different.
The Dassault Falcon 10X is said to have a minimum take off distance of under 6,000 feet. In comparison, the G700 has a minimum take off distance of 6,250 feet.
When it comes to minimum landing distance, both aircraft are evenly matched. Both the Falcon 10X and G700 have a minimum landing distance of 2,500 feet.
However, please note at this point that the Falcon 10X figures are yet to be put into practice. Therefore, the figures for the 10X could change, most likely being below the stated figures.
Additionally, a difference in take off distance of 250 feet is not going to impact the operational ability of either aircraft.
Interior Dimensions
One of the most notable differences between the Falcon 10X and G700 is the interior length. When it comes to interior length, the Falcon 10Xs cabin measures 16.4 meters long. In comparison, the G700s measures 17.35 meters in length.
Next up is interior width.The Falcon 10Xs cabin measures 2.77 meters in width. In comparison, the G700s cabin measures 2.49 meters wide.
Finally, cabin height. The Falcon 10Xs cabin measures 2.03 meters in height. For reference, the G700 measures 1.91 meters in interior height.
The balance between these three dimensions is an interesting one. Of course, a longer cabin allows for more living areas – such as for dining, sleeping, working and relaxing.
However, a wider cabin allows for wider seats, resulting in more shoulder room. Additionally, a wider cabin allows for a wider aisle, making it easier to move around the cabin.
Additionally, a taller cabin means that more people are able to stand up fully. It also makes it easier to navigate in flight and makes the cabin feel more spacious.
Therefore, length is important if you want more versatility within the cabin. However, when sitting down, a wider and taller cabin are more beneficial.
Officially, both the Falcon 10X and G700 are each able to carry up to 19 passengers. However, it is unlikely that either of these aircraft will be configured for maximum occupancy, let alone fly with every seat filled.
And finally, baggage capacity. The Falcon 10X just slightly beats out the G700 with an additional 3 cubic feet of baggage capacity. Officially, the Falcon 10X can accommodate up to 198 cubic feet of luggage. In comparison, the G700 is able to hold up to 195 cubic feet of luggage.
Interior
As previously mentioned, deliveries of the Falcon 10X are due to start in 2025. In comparison, deliveries of the G700 are due to start in 2022.
Therefore, these are two of the newest aircraft on the market. Therefore, the interior of these aircraft are simply stunning.
One area that is often overlooked but is of critical importance is the maximum cabin altitude. A lower cabin altitude will result in a more pleasant cabin environment and reduce the effects of jet lag. For reference, a typical airliner and most light jets have a maximum cabin altitude of 8,000 feet.
However, given that these are two of the newest and most advanced aircraft on the planet, the 10X and G700 easily beat this.
When cruising at 51,000 feet the Falcon 10X has a maximum cabin altitude of just 4,200 feet. Unfortunately for the G700, it is unable to compete with this. At the same altitude, the G700 has a maximum cabin altitude of 4,850 feet.
Both are extremely impressive figures, however, the Falcon 10X is more impressive.
Dassault Falcon 10X
Somewhere Dassault have always excelled is with the interior of their aircraft. And, thankfully, the Falcon 10X is no different. While the performance data is not breathtaking, the interior is. And, frankly, this is where Dassault appears to have spent most of their time innovating. After all, its the place that passengers and customers spend their time.
According to Dassault, “the 10X will have the biggest and most comfortable cabin on the market and offer greater modularity than any other aircraft in its class”.
The 10X will be capable of accommodating up to four distinct cabin zones, all with an equal length. Of course, customers will have the option to configure the cabin however they see fit.
For example, customers can configure an expanded dining/conference area, a dedicated entertainment area with a large-screen monitor, a private stateroom with a queen-size bed or an enlarged master suite with a private stand-up shower.
Furthermore, while the cabin altitude when cruising at its ceiling is unknown, it is known that at 41,000 feet the cabin altitude will be just 3,000 feet. Consequently, according to Dassault, pressurization “will be the best on the market”.
Additionally, the cabin filtration system will provide 100% pure air, along with a cabin that is at least as quiet as the Falcon 8X.
Furthermore, “the 10X will feature an entirely new fuselage with extra-large windows—nearly 50 percent larger than those on the Falcon 8X. Thirty-eight windows will line the fuselage, making for the brightest cabin in business aviation.”
Dassault Falcon 10X
Gulfstream G700
Gulfstream G700
According to Gulfstream, the G700 features the tallest, widest and longest cabin in the industry. If you require a larger cabin you will be looking at the VIP airliners, such as the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) or Embraer Lineage 1000E.
The aim of the G700 is to create the most comfortable environment possible in the sky so that you can sleep, work or relax as efficiently as possible. The G700 features true circadian lighting to simulate the sunlight of your next time zone to help reduce the effects of jet lag.
Additionally, the G700 has a maximum cabin altitude of just 4,850 feet, one of the lowest cabin altitudes to be found on a private jet, helping you sleep better and reduce the effects of jet lag. Add in the extremely quiet cabin, you will have no trouble working, sleeping, or just relaxing.
Gulfstream has also fitted the G700 with twenty of the largest windows in business aviation, flooding the cabin with natural light to make the already large cabin feel even more spacious. As standard, the G700 features Jet Connex Ka-band Wi-Fi so that you can stay connected when you are in the air for hours at a time.
The G700 features an all-new seat design that is handcrafted for each aircraft and can be converted to ergonomic beds. The G700 has a maximum capacity of 19 passengers in a seating configuration and space for 13 passengers in a sleeping configuration. The cabin can be configured with up to five living spaces so you will always be able to get some privacy from your fellow passengers when on a long flight. See below for the various configurations you can have on a G700.
Charter Price
Again, due to the fact that neither of these aircraft have hit the market, there are no current charter prices available.
However, it is possible to estimate the hourly charter cost of these aircraft.
It is likely that both aircraft will cost somewhere between $13,000 and $15,000 per flight hour to charter.
However, please note that there are many factors that influence the price of a private jet charter. Therefore, prices will vary depending on the mission.
Purchase Price
And finally, how much does each aircraft cost to buy?
The Dassault Falcon 10X has an estimated new list price of $75 million. In comparison, the Gulfstream G700 has a new list price of $75 million.
Therefore, potentially owners will be struggling to decide between these two aircraft.
Of course, most private jet owners buy their aircraft on the pre-owned market.
However, there are currently no numbers on the pre-owned prices of these aircraft – given the newness of these aircraft.
Summary
So, which of these aircraft is best?
Well, the Dassault Falcon 10X has been created to compete directly with the G700. Before this the best offering from Dassault was the 8X. However, the 8X was behind on nearly every measure.
Now the story has changed. Both the 10X and G700 can cruise at the same speed, fly the same distances, carry the same number of passengers, and, crucially, cost the same.
Therefore, with a few minor exceptions, the numbers don’t deliver a clear winner. The choice comes down to personal preference and predicted depreciation.
So, which aircraft would you choose?
