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The Dassault Falcon 8X and Dassault Falcon 900LX are two popular large jets.

Both aircraft have similar performance figures. Both aircraft have similar costs.

However, despite their many similarities – such as range and ground performance – these aircraft are more different that you first may expect.

Performance

The Dassault Falcon 8X is powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307D engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 6,722 lbs of thrust. As a result, the total thrust output for the Falcon 8X is 20,166.

On the other hand, 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 Falcon 900LX is 15,000.

While both aircraft have a maximum cruise altitude of 51,000 feet, they have very different cruise speeds.

While the Falcon 8X can cruise at 488 knots, the 900LX is limited to a maximum cruise speed of 459 knots.

Fuel burn is relatively similar between these aircraft, with the Falcon 8X having a slightly higher fuel consumption than the Falcon 900LX

The Falcon 8X has a fuel burn of just 347 Gallons per Hour (GPH). In comparison, the Falcon 900LX burns 260 Gallons per Hour (GPH).

Range

The Falcon 900LX falls 1,700 nautical miles short of the Falcon 8X when it comes to range.

While, the Falcon 8X is capable of flying up to 6,450 nautical miles (7,422 miles / 11,945 kms) without needing to refuel.

Whereas, the Falcon 900LX can only fly up to 4,750 nautical miles (5,466 miles / 8,797 kms) non-stop.

Of course, as with every manufacturer stated range figures, these numbers are somewhat optimistic.

Critically, the more weight that an aircraft is carrying the greater the decrease in range. Therefore, the Falcon 8X will be able to handle more weight – be it passengers or cargo – more effectively than the 900LX.

The Falcon 8X will be able to fly the same distance as the 900LX but with a higher payload. This is an important factor to consider if you are planning on travelling with lots of luggage or lots of passengers.

Ground Performance

Next up is ground performance.

The benefits of having an aircraft that requires less runway to take off and land is that it can operate out of more airports. Being able to operate out of more airports increases your options and flexibility.

And, crucially, reduces overall travel time as you are able to land closer to your final destination.

The Dassault Falcon 8X has a minimum take off distance of 5,910 feet. In comparison the Dassault Falcon 900LX has a minimum take off distance of 5,360 feet.

The Falcon 8X has a minimum landing distance of 2,240 feet. Whereas the minimum landing distance of the Falcon 900LX is 2,415 feet.

Will these differences be noticeable in the real world? Most likely not.

However, the 600 feet difference in take off distance for the 900LX is not an insignificant amount. Therefore, there may be a handful of situations in which a 900LX can operate out of a certain airport that the 8X can’t.

Interior Dimensions

When it comes to interior space, the Falcon 8X achieves a clear victory over the Falcon 900LX.

One of the most notable differences between the Falcon 8X and Falcon 900LX is the interior length. The Falcon 8X has a far longer cabin, measuring 13 meters to the Falcon 900LX’s 10.11 meter length.

However, both aircraft are the same width. With both aircraft measuring 2.34 meters in width.

Additionally, the similarities continue with both aircraft having the same interior height, measuring 1.88 meters tall.

As you would expect from the larger cabin size of the 8X, it can also carry more passengers. The Falcon 8X is capable of carrying up to 16. Whereas the Falcon 900LX has an official maximum passenger occupancy of 14.

And finally, baggage capacity. The Falcon 8X can accommodate 140 cubic feet of luggage. Meanwhile, the Falcon 900LX is limited to just 127 cubic feet of baggage.

Interior

When comparing the interiors of these two aircraft, the Falcon 8X really stands out as being the more modern aircraft.

Deliveries of the Falcon 8X began in 2016, compared with deliveries of the Falcon 900LX starting in 2010.

The maximum cabin altitude of the Falcon 8X is just 6,000 feet compared with a maximum cabin altitude of 8,000 feet for the 900LX.

Dassault Falcon 8X Interior

Being the longest cabin of any Dassault Falcon in the sky (13 metres long to be precise), every center metre of the cabin is used efficiently and is claimed by Dassault to be the industry’s most flexible cabin.

With a maximum cabin altitude of just 6,000 feet and being able to maintain a cabin altitude of 3,900 feet when cruising at 41,000 feet, this is much lower than you will find on any airliner and most other business jets.

This, combined with the exceptionally quiet cabin noise level of just 49 dB, will ensure that you can work, relax or sleep in the most comfortable environment possible and that you arrive at your destination as fresh as possible.

Featuring the FalconCabin HD+ cabin management system you have control over the environment from anywhere in the cabin (yes, even if you are lying in bed). If you opt for the Skybox you can store iTunes video and music on the server which can be accessed wirelessly throughout the cabin.

The options for layout in this cabin go above and beyond any other business jet on the market. With three extra feet than the 7X to play with, you will be surprised with how much extra space is available.

Why not option for the three-lounge cabin with a shower in the rear and a crew rest are in the front? Or maybe you want a shorter entranceway so that you have more lounge space. Perhaps a large entranceway in order to accommodate a spacious, lie-flat crew quarters and a larger galley in order to enjoy gourmet meals while you are in the sky.

Dassault Falcon 8X

Dassault 8X Interior
Dassault 8X Interior
Dassault 8X Interior

Dassault Falcon 900LX

Dassault 900LX Interior
Dassault 900LX Interior
Dassault 900LX Interior
Dassault 900LX Interior

Dassault Falcon 900LX Interior

In Dassault’s own words, the Falcon 900LX is “elegant in design and smart in function”.

Dassault have interactive design centers at 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 seat. 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 an 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 have been able to keep the noise level within the cabin to just 54 decibels. This, combined 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 Falcon 900LX is less expensive. 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 Falcon 8X is $11,250.

On the other hand, the estimated hourly charter price of the Falcon 900LXis $5,900.

Please do keep in mind that these prices are estimates only. There are a variety of factors that can and will influence the charter price of a private jet.

Purchase Price

When it comes to purchasing these aircraft, the Falcon 900LX is less expensive than the Falcon 8X.

The Dassault Falcon 8X has a new list price of $58 million. In comparison the Dassault Falcon 900LX has a new list price of $44 million.

According to Aircraft Bluebook, a 5 year old Falcon 8X is estimated to set you back $40 million.

In comparison, a 5 year old Falcon 900LX is estimated to cost $25 million.

Therefore, the Falcon 900LX will see a 57% retention of value over the a five year period.

In comparison, the Falcon 8X will see a 69% retention of value over the same time period.

Summary

So, which is better? Which one should you choose? The Falcon 8X or the Falcon 900LX.

Well, like with many aircraft family comparisons, these aircraft have been perfectly placed to work together.

If you need additional range, passenger capacity or space, then the Falcon 8X is the better option.

However, it is hard to think of a scenario where the 900LX can complete a mission and, instead, a customer were to opt for the Falcon 8X.

Benedict

Benedict is a dedicated writer, specializing in in-depth discussions of private aviation ownership and its associated topics.