The Falcon 2000LXS and Falcon 900LX are the two smallest aircraft in the Dassault Falcon family of aircraft.
Both are built on the extremely popular platforms of the Falcon 2000 and Falcon 900 range respectively.
This family of aircraft has a long history. The first flight of the Falcon 2000 dates back to 1993. The Falcon 900 has an even longer history with the first flight dating all the way back to 1984.
Therefore, these two aircraft lineups have stood the test of time, and these are the two latest iterations.
But how do these aircraft differ? And which one is more suitable for your next mission or acquisition?
In order to aid in this comparison we will be using our Premium service comparison feature, which you can learn more about here.
Performance
One of the most notable differences between these two aircraft is the engines. Namely, the Falcon 2000LXS has two engines while the 900LX has 3. This places the Falcon 900LX in the rare category of trijet business aircraft. A category that is slowly dying out and the only manufacturer is Dassault themselves. However, with the new Falcon 6X and Falcon 10X Dassault has opted to give them just two engines. Highlighting how they are slowly phasing out the trijet design.
The trijet design allows for smaller engines which are lighter and more efficient but will result in a total thrust output greater than a twin jet. Therefore, the aircraft will be more fuel efficient and have higher performance per engine.
The Dassault Falcon 2000LXS is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 7,000 lbs of thrust. As a result, the total thrust output for the 2000LXS is 14,000 lbs.
In comparison, the Dassault Falcon 900LX is powered by three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 5,000 lbs of thrust. As a result, the total thrust output for the 900LX is 15,000 lbs.
As you can see, the engines on the 900LX each produce 2,000 lbs of thrust less than the 2000LXS, however, the total thrust output is higher.
This, therefore, results in the Falcon 900LX having a higher cruise speed of Mach 0.87 versus the Mach 0.86 cruise speed of the Falcon 2000LXS. Additionally, when cruising for maximum range the 900LX is capable of cruising at Mach 0.80 while the Falcon 2000LXS is limited to Mach 0.76.
Moreover, the Falcon 900LX can cruise higher than the 2000LXS, with a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet compared with 47,000 feet respectively.
However, the 2000LXS has a higher initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet versus 37,000 feet for the Falcon 900LX.
Additionally, the Falcon 2000LXS can get there quicker with a climb rate of 4,310 feet per minute. Whereas the Falcon 900LX has a maximum climb rate of 3,880 feet per minute.
One key area that the Falcon 900LX outperforms the 2000LXS is fuel burn. Many often think that more engines equal more fuel burn. However, in some cases, such as this, it can prove to be more efficient.
Despite the additional engine, the Falcon 900LX has an average hourly fuel burn of just 260 gallons per hour. Whereas the Falcon 2000LXS burns, on average, 269 gallons of Jet A fuel per hour.
Range
Given the more efficient fuel burn and larger fuel tanks of the Falcon 900LX, it is no surprise that it can fly further than the 2000LXS.
The 2000LXS is capable of flying up to 4,000 nautical miles (4,603 miles / 7,408 km) without needing to refuel.
In comparison, the Falcon 900LX has a maximum range of 4,750 nautical miles (5,466 miles / 8,797 km).
This, therefore, means that both aircraft can comfortably fly non-stop from New York to Europe. However, the Falcon 2000LXS will be restricted mostly to Western Europe. Whereas the 900LX is able to fly non-stop from New York to all of Europe. Moreover, it can continue all the way to Istanbul.
Additionally, the Falcon 900LX is capable of flying without needing to refuel all the way from London to San Francisco. However, the Falcon 2000LXS would need to refuel in Kansas City to complete this mission.
However, it is important to note that these range figures are the best-case scenario. This is true of all manufacturer-stated range figures as they assume perfect conditions and minimum weight. Therefore, real-world figures will vary.
Using the range map on Compare Private Planes Premium it is possible to adjust the range based on the number of passengers on board to get more accurate figures.
While the range is impacted less with larger aircraft compared with light jets, the range does decrease somewhat for both aircraft when we start adding passengers.
The change in the maximum range is marginal, however, these figures also do not account for fuel reserves.
Ground Performance
The Falcon 2000LXS and Falcon 900LX are roughly the same size, however, the 900LX has a basic operating weight around 2,000 lbs greater than the 2000LXS.
Despite this the extra thrust from the Honeywell engines result in the 900LX being able to take off in a shorter distance.
The Dassault Falcon 2000LXS has a minimum take-off distance of 5,878 feet. In comparison, the Dassault Falcon 900LX has a minimum take-off distance of 5,360 feet.
A difference of 500 feet is not to be ignored.
Again, these figures are the absolute minimum and assume perfect conditions. However, these numbers still demonstrate the impressive capabilities of the Falcon 900LX and will open up additional operational capabilities.
It is worth noting that both aircraft are certified to operate in and out of London City Airport.
When it comes to landing, the Falcon 2000LXS outperforms the 900LX with a minimum landing distance of 2,260 feet and 2,415 feet respectively. However, this figure is not as important as the take-off distance as it is lower. And wherever an aircraft lands it must also take off.
Interior Dimensions
The interior width and height of these two aircraft are identical. The key difference is the interior length with the Falcon 900LX having a cabin that is around 7 feet longer.
As a result, the Falcon 900LX is capable of carrying up to 16 passengers versus the 10 passenger maximum of the 2000LXS.
However, the 900LX is typically configured to carry up to 12 passengers.
In terms of actual dimensions, both aircraft measures 6.17 feet in cabin height (with a fully flat floor) and 7.68 feet in width.
Interior length comes in at 26.18 feet for the Falcon 2000LXS and 33.17 feet for the Falcon 900LX.
Interior
Deliveries of the 2000LXS began in 2014, compared with deliveries of the 900LX starting in 2010.
Given the similarities of these aircraft, it is no surprise that the cabin altitude is near identical for these aircraft. At their maximum altitude, the Falcon 2000LXS has a cabin altitude of 7,200 feet while the Falcon 900LX has a cabin altitude of 8,000 feet.
However, this figure is somewhat misleading as they are when each aircraft is at its certified maximum cruising altitude, and the 900LX can cruise 4,000 feet higher than the 2000LXS.
Therefore, it’s only fair to look at the sea level cabin altitude and pressure differential which are both identical for these aircraft.
Both the Falcon 900LX and Falcon 2000LXS are able to maintain a sea-level cabin up to 25,300 feet and both aircraft have a pressure differential of 9 PSI.
Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
Inside the Falcon 2000LXS passengers are treated to peace and quiet. According to Dassault; passengers flying the 2000LXS “travel quietly, graciously, and productively”.
The interior of the 2000LXS is spacious, stylish, and quiet. The 2000LXS has a large interior for its segment and is described as being generous and luxurious in every way. No matter how long the flight is passengers will be comfortable.
Dassault has outfitted the aircraft with advanced connection technology and an intuitive cabin management system. The cabin management system is compatible with most smartphones, allowing you to control the cabin from everywhere.
Dassault has been able to fit eighteen large windows that drench the interior in light. Windows are strategically placed next to seats in order to provide every passenger with a view. Frequent air circulation and fresh air ensure that you stay refreshed. As a result, jet lag should be reduced to a minimum on long flights.
Dassault Falcon 2000LXS
Dassault Falcon 900LX
Dassault Falcon 900LX
The interiors of Falcon aircraft have always been breathtaking. Dassault is able to perfectly blend style with functionality. The 900LX is no exception.
In Dassault’s own words, the Falcon 900LX is “elegant in design and smart in function”.
Dassault has interactive design centers in Teterboro, New Jersey, and Le Bourget, Paris. These facilities are equipped with Dassault’s CATIA software and staffed by world-class design professionals. These centers enable customers to make informed and confident choices about the interior design of the aircraft. Customers are able to envision their interiors and examine features in actual aircraft and mockups. Customers can then proceed to select from a range of fabrics, leathers, carpets, veneers, electronics, equipment, and accessories.
Passengers are able to control the entire cabin from the FalconCabin HD+ cabin management system. This allows passengers to control the entire cabin from the comfort of their own seats. Features such as lighting and temperature can all be controlled. Additionally, passengers can select from a wide range of entertainment and connectivity tools. Voice and broadband data services provided by SATCOM can also be optioned on the 900LX.
The quality in the cabin is second to none inside the 900LX. An elegant mix of materials has led to a tastefully designed interior. Through efficient use of space, the designers have also been able to craft a spacious feeling cabin. Controls from the cabin management system are neatly hidden in the armrest. This places control within easy reach but is not obtrusive. Closely spaced windows allow for an abundance of natural light within the cabin.
Dassault has been able to keep the noise level within the cabin to just 54 decibels. This, combined with its innovative “mood lighting”, makes the aircraft a relaxing place to spend a few hours.
Charter Price
When it comes to chartering these aircraft the cost is nearly the same.
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.
The estimated hourly charter price of the 2000LXS is $5,500. In comparison, the estimated hourly charter price of the 900LX is $5,900.
Purchase Price
If buying one of these aircraft from new, the Falcon 900LX costs $10 million more than the 2000LXS.
The new list price of the Dassault Falcon 900LX is $44 million while the new list price of the Dassault Falcon 2000LXS is $34 million.
However, on the pre-owned market, the value of these two aircraft starts to become more similar.
For example, a 2017 example of the 2000LXS is estimated to be worth just over $26 million. In comparison, a same-age Falcon 900LX is estimated to cost $27 million.
Moreover, the Falcon 900LX loses more of its value per year with an annual depreciation rate of just over 6.5%. On the other hand, the Falcon 2000LXS loses around 5.8% of its value year-on-year.
Therefore, if you were to buy the 2017 aircraft mentioned above, in 3 years they would both be worth around $21.9 million. As a result, the Falcon 900LX would lose more money than the 2000LXS over the ownership period.
You can get complete acquisition costs on the Compare Private Planes Premium platform.
Summary
There are a lot of similarities between these two popular aircraft.
Essentially, the Falcon 900LX is slightly faster and more capable performance-wise (e.g. higher cruising altitude, shorter take-off distance, higher thrust output). Additionally, the Falcon 900LX can fly further and carry more passengers.
However, the Falcon 2000LXS holds its value better and is less expensive to purchase (however, in the future they will likely be a similar price on the pre-owned market). However, despite the higher annual costs of the Falcon 900LX, it is less expensive to operate on an hourly basis compared with the 2000LXS. Therefore, if flying 300 hours per year there isn’t too much difference in the annual operating costs.
Therefore, the primary benefit of the 2000LXS is the lower initial purchasing costs and the superior value retention.
