Dassault Falcon 900C

Overview & History

The Falcon 900C is a long-range business jet from Dassault. Dassault Aviation has a dedicated subsidiary for the Falcon family called the Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation. Over 1,500 Falcon jets have been delivered since the first Falcon 20 in 1963.

The 900 family was first announced in 1984 and has a long history. 

The 900 series of aircraft is a development of the Falcon 50 jets, which is a development of the earlier Falcon 20 corporate jet. 

Other members of the family are the Falcon 900LX, Falcon 900EX, and the Falcon 900DX.

The Dassault Family creates jets with high standards of engineering, structural quality, and technological advancement. Dassault is constantly redesigning and improving its aircraft to uphold these standards.

The Falcon 900C is the sculpted, evolved version of its predecessor, the original Falcon 900, combining the 900B’s improvements with the innovative avionics of the 900EX.

Dassault Falcon 900C Performance

Let’s take a look at the performance capabilities of this intercontinental business jet made up of composite materials.

Powered by three Honeywell TFE731-5BR-1C turbofan engines, the 900C has a total thrust output of 14,250 lbs (6,464 kg), enabling the aircraft to reach impressively high speeds.

It offers a high-speed cruise of 500 knots (926 km/h), dropping to a still-respectable long range cruise of 428 knots (792 km/h).

This powerful performance is accompanied by the ability to ascend to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet (15,545 m), far above most commercial flight paths. 

In terms of its range, the Falcon 900C outperforms many in its class with a maximum range of 4,001 nautical miles (7,408 km). Ideal for long-haul journeys, it offers both speed and distance capabilities.

Fuel consumption comes in at an average hourly fuel burn of just 267 gallons per hour, making it relatively fuel-efficient compared with its competitors. 

As for ground performance, the Falcon 900C requires a takeoff distance of just 5,200 feet (1,585 m), making it suitable for a wide array of airports. Upon landing, it requires a distance of 2,200 feet (671 m) to come to a halt, highlighting its excellent braking performance.

Please note that these figures represent the best-case scenario. The actual range and ground performance can vary based on many factors, including weather conditions, the weight of the aircraft, and the condition of the runway.

Interior and Cabin

Measuring 39.0 feet (11.9 meters) in length, 7.7 feet (2.3 meters) in width, and boasting a stand-up height of 6.2 feet (1.9 meters), the spacious interior of the Falcon 900C is designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable travel experience. 

This aircraft has the capacity to carry a maximum of 19 passengers but is typically configured in a 12-passenger layout.

The typical layout is divided into three lounges, offering a perfect blend of business functionality and relaxation space. The forward section consists of four sleeping chairs and tables, perfect for rest or work on longer flights.

The central lounge is arranged as a dining area, seating six people comfortably around a dining table. This area also includes two double seats and a cabinet featuring a foldaway bench.

The rear passenger area is designed for relaxation, equipped with a convertible bed or three-seat settee, along with two armchairs.

What sets the Falcon 900C apart from its competitors is the thought put into ensuring passenger comfort throughout the flight. It maintains a sea-level cabin up to an altitude of 25,300 feet (7,711 meters), and the maximum cabin altitude is 8,000 feet (2,438 meters).

This feature, along with the generous space and amenities such as a full-sized private lavatory and galley. Additionally, there is 127 cubic feet of passenger-accessible baggage space, making the Falcon 900C a top choice for intercontinental flights.

Cockpit Specification

Up on the flight deck, the Honeywell Primus 2000 5-tube EFIS avionics system and information system are central to the operation of this aircraft. 

This core system is seamlessly integrated with the Rockwell Collins Pro Line flight management system, which is connected to dual AZ840 air data systems and a dual SPZ8000 autopilot and flight director. 

Navigational aids are comprehensive and include two Honeywell Laseref II ring laser inertial reference systems.

Additionally, the cockpit features a Rockwell Collins dual VIR32 integrated VHF omnidirectional receiver and instrument landing system (VOR/ILS) and marker beacon receiver, a dual automatic direction finder ADF 60B, dual distance measuring equipment DME42, and a Honeywell radio altimeter type RT300.

Weather assessment is facilitated by a Honeywell Primus 880 color weather radar. The entire avionics suite operates via a dual Honeywell ASCB digital database. All these elements not only support the flight crew in ensuring safe and efficient flights but also contribute to the superior performance of the Falcon 900C.

Charter Cost

Chartering the Falcon 900C has an estimated cost of $7,300 per hour in North America.

However, it’s important to note that this figure is a broad estimate. The actual charter cost can vary significantly owing to a multitude of factors.

These can include the route, distance, and duration of your flight, the time of year, and even the current market demand for private jet charters. 

Purchase Cost

When first introduced, the Falcon 900C came with a price tag of $32 million.

Today, the 900C has an average pre-owned value of around $5.65 million.

However, the initial purchase price is just one aspect of the total cost of ownership. Prospective owners should also factor in the estimated annual operating cost.

With an assumption of flying 200 hours each year, the estimated cost comes to roughly $768,000.

This figure includes variables such as fuel, insurance, hangarage, and maintenance.