Trijet private jets have a distinctive design, with three jet engines mounted to the rear of the aircraft.
However, questions are often asked about the major reason for the third engine on a private jet, the benefits it carries, and why there are relatively fewer engine configurations like this on the market.
Additionally, given the lack of three-engine aircraft currently being produced, how much longer will they be around before they become extinct?
What Are Trijet Aircraft?
A three-engined aircraft, also called a trijet, is powered by three jet engines.
These designs were particularly popular in the 1960s and 1970s, among both commercial airliners and business aviation, as they increased the situational awareness of flight crews and the reliability of the aircraft. This is because the more engines there are, the less catastrophic a failure becomes if one engine fails, especially during long-range flights over difficult terrain or large bodies of water.
Trijet private jets typically feature two powerful engines mounted at the rear of the aircraft and a third engine mounted in the tail. This configuration allows for better short-field performance on short runways, often required in business aviation operations.
Private jets have their jet engines mounted at the rear rather than under the wings due to their size. Mounting engines under the wings would require technical solutions like higher landing gear or the use of composite materials to accommodate the clearance.
History
Trijet aircraft originally started with military and commercial applications, with examples like the Tupolev Tu-154, Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, and McDonnell Douglas DC-10 paving the way.
The style can be traced back to the late 1940s when Tupolev developed the Tu-73 bomber prototype. Although canceled, the idea was further refined in the commercial sector, with the Hawker Siddeley Trident and Boeing 727 in the early 1960s.
The first aircraft in the trijet category for private jets was the Dassault Falcon 50, which took its maiden flight in 1976. This was followed by the Falcon 50EX and Falcon 50-40, forming part of the Falcon family.
Dassault Aviation continued to produce trijets, including the Falcon 900 series and the Falcon 7X and 8X.
The Falcon 900LX, still in production today, is equipped with the Honeywell TFE engines and boasts a digital flight control system, offering a balance of performance and reliability.
In commercial aviation, trijets like the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and KC-10 Extenders were eventually retired, leaving no commercial three-engine aircraft in production.
Current TriJet Private Jets
Currently, there are just two three-engined aircraft private jets currently in production.
These are the Dassault Falcon 900LX and the Dassault Falcon 8X.
These aircraft feature spacious cabins and are popular in North America and beyond due to their ability to handle short runways, steep approaches, and higher altitudes.
Their avionics systems provide superior performance, while the aircraft’s maximum range allows access to distant locations.
Past TriJet Private Jets
As mentioned, Dassault is the only manufacturer to have produced three-engine private jets.
The original models, including the Falcon 50 series, helped cement Dassault’s reputation for designing a suite of aircraft offering innovation and reliability.
While the grounded Falcon lineup and the smaller Falcon jets demonstrate Dassault’s evolution, the list of data controllers in business aviation now looks to newer technologies like sustainable aviation fuel and clean sheet designs for efficiency.
Advantages of Three Engines
Three-engined aircraft offer two primary advantages over twin jets, with a third engine providing some additional benefits:
Safety: The third engine enhances reliability in the event of a failure. However, with modern powerful engines, this is less of a major concern in recent decades.
Fuel Efficiency and Fuel Economy: Trijets like the Falcon 900LX are designed for optimal fuel burn, achieving greater efficiency despite their weight. The Garrett TFE engines used in these aircraft help ensure a balance between power and fuel consumption.
Short-Field Performance: With superior takeoff and landing capabilities, trijets excel on short runways and under challenging weather conditions. Their ability to climb to higher altitudes also benefits long-range flights.
Disadvantages of Trijet Aircraft
Despite their charm, trijets face challenges:
Market Shift: Buyers in the charter market often view three engines as unnecessary, particularly when twin-engine jets offer comparable maximum range and performance.
Cost: Operating and maintaining a three-engined aircraft is inherently more expensive, as fewer engine designs dominate the market due to their simplicity.
Comparable Performance: Advances in Rolls-Royce and other manufacturers’ engine designs mean twin jets now rival trijets in terms of power and efficiency.
The Future of TriJet Private Jets
With Dassault Aviation focusing on models like the Falcon 6X and 10X, it’s clear that the era of trijets is nearing its end.
Buyers now demand aircraft with reduced operational costs and improved sustainability, leading to a decline in demand for three-engine configurations.
That said, the Falcon response aircraft service, along with Dassault’s worldwide support network, ensures that existing trijets remain viable for years to come.
Summary
The trijet era has left a significant mark on aviation history.
However, as buyers seek more clean sheet designs and focus on sustainability, the main reason for moving away from trijets comes down to cost and practicality.
For now, enthusiasts of business aviation and Dassault’s iconic designs can still enjoy the elegance and low noise levels of these aircraft while benefiting from the security of your use of the website when exploring them online.
For further details on trijet aircraft and their history, visit our dedicated page, where you can find a registration form to learn more.
Featured Image: Thierry Weber / Shutterstock.com
