Dassault Falcon 50-40

History of the Falcon 50 and 50-40 Variant

The 50-40 was produced from 1980 to 1996 by Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a rich history and prominent reputation in the industry. 

The Falcon 50-40 is a variant of the Falcon 50 aircraft, along with the Falcon 50EX. Both variants have slight specification changes versus typical Falcon 50s. 

Dassault Aviation, renowned for its military and civil aircraft, embarked on the development of the Falcon 50 in the late 70s.

The Falcon 50 is based on the original Falcon 20, being an elongated version with an additional engine, among other improvements. 

The goal was clear: to create a high-performance trijet that would outperform its predecessors in range, speed, and comfort.

After years of meticulous design and intensive testing, the Falcon 50 made its first flight in November of 1976, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.

The aircraft was later certified and entered into service in 1980, setting a new standard for private jets. The Falcon 50-40 remained in production until 1996, leaving an indelible mark on the world of aviation.

Performance and Engines

Powering the Falcon 50-40 are three Honeywell TFE 731-40 engines with the central engine featuring a S-duct air intake.

Each engine outputs 10,320 lbs (4,676 kg), resulting in a total thrust output of 30,960 lbs (14,028 kg).

These engines enable the jet to maintain a high-speed cruise at an impressive 481 knots (891 km/h), showcasing its speed capabilities.

The Falcon 50-40 can ascend to a maximum altitude of 49,000 feet (14,935 metres), towering above most commercial traffic and weather disturbances.

With a remarkable range of 3,260 nautical miles (6,038 kilometres), the Falcon 50-40 is an excellent choice for long-distance travel, allowing non-stop flights between numerous global destinations.

In terms of ground performance, the aircraft can takeoff from runways as short as 4,500 feet (1,371 metres), while the landing distance requirement is approximately 3,500 feet (1,067 metres).

It’s important to understand that these figures represent best-case scenarios.

Factors such as weather conditions, runway length, altitude, and aircraft load can significantly impact the range and ground performance of the Falcon 50-40. 

Interior of the 50-40 Business Jet

The long fuselage of this plane results in spacious interior dimensions.

The cabin stretches an impressive 22.9 feet (7 m) in length, offering ample space for passenger movement.

With an interior width of 6 feet (1.8 m) and a height of 5 feet (1.5 m), the Falcon 50-40 provides a relatively spacious environment for a midsize private jet. 

The jet has capacity for up to 10 passengers, though it is typically configured for 9.

The layout is often set with double club seating, allowing for easy conversation and collaboration during the flight.

Regardless of the seating configuration, every passenger will enjoy plenty of legroom and personal space.

Additionally, the aircraft has 25 cubic feet of internal baggage space. 

When it comes to cabin altitude, the Falcon 50-40 excels.

It maintains a sea level cabin up to an altitude of 26,100 feet (7,957 m), and the maximum cabin altitude is 9,000 feet (2,743 m).

This feature ensures a comfortable flight experience, minimizing the effects of high altitude on the human body.

Cockpit of the Dassault Falcon 50-40

The cockpit layout is specifically designed to minimize pilot workload and maximize safety and situational awareness.

Instrumentation is logically arranged and easily accessible, ensuring a smooth and seamless flying experience.

The Falcon 50-40 is equipped with the Collins ProLine 21 avionics suite, providing pilots with a wealth of flight data at their fingertips.

This system includes a Flight Management System (FMS), autopilot, and weather radar, among other essential features.

The visibility from the cockpit is excellent, further enhancing the pilot’s command over the aircraft.

The cockpit is designed to accommodate a crew of two. However, there is a third seat for an additional crew member or passenger, providing flexibility in varying flight scenarios.

Charter Cost of the Dassault Falcon 50-40

In North America, the estimated cost to charter this aircraft is approximately $5,000 per hour. This figure, however, is subject to change based on numerous variables. 

Factors such as the duration and distance of the flight, the current fuel price, and the time of year can all significantly impact the final charter cost.

Additionally, the cost can also be affected by the departure and arrival airports, as landing and handling fees vary from airport to airport. 

While the estimate provided gives a reasonable baseline, each charter’s final cost is uniquely determined by the specifics of the trip.

Therefore, potential clients are encouraged to reach out to charter providers for a personalized quote.

Purchase Price and Operating Costs

The initial purchase price for a Dassault Falcon 50-40, when bought new, was around $15 million.

In today’s market, the Falcon 50-40 has an average pre-owned value of $1.34 million.

Given the rarity of the 50-40, it will likely be hard to find one for sale.

However, it’s important to factor in the ongoing costs of ownership as well.

The estimated annual ownership cost for a Falcon 50-40, assuming 200 flying hours per year, stands at approximately $792,000.

This figure includes maintenance, insurance, hangarage, and crew salaries, among other operational expenses. 

It’s worth noting that every ownership experience can be unique, and the actual price can vary based on usage, maintenance needs, and other factors.