FALCON 20
The Dassault Falcon 20 is a pioneering French twin-engine business jet, first flown in 1963, known for its speed, comfortable cabin, and the foundation of the Falcon family of aircraft. While originally designed for corporate and military transport, this versatile jet has also been modified for specialized roles, including parabolic microgravity research flights for the National Research Council of Canada and use as a jamming trainer and maritime patrol aircraft.
Key characteristics and history
- Pioneering design: The Falcon 20 was the first aircraft in the long-running Falcon family of jets, and it was the first business jet developed by Dassault Aviation.
- First flight: Its maiden flight was in 1963.
- Production and variants: Production of the Falcon 20 continued until 1988, with improved variants like the Falcon 200 being developed during its production run.
- Comfort and speed: The aircraft was designed for comfort with one of the longest cabin interiors in its midsize category and a relatively fast speed for its era.
- Predictable handling: Its predictable stall behavior meant it didn't require advanced stick pusher or stall-barrier systems, a testament to its good flight qualities.
Applications
- Business and Executive Travel: The Falcon 20 established a reputation for comfort and safety, becoming a popular choice for corporate and executive travel.
- Military and Training: Military versions were used for VIP transport, electronic countermeasures (ECM) training, and maritime patrol.
- Research: The Canadian National Research Council (NRC) operates a modified Falcon 20 for parabolic flights, which simulate microgravity conditions for experiments.
- Cargo: The Falcon 20's large cargo door makes it suitable for transporting bulkier items compared to other jets in its class