IATA DF3ICAO FA50

Dassault Falcon 50

Dassault

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Tri-engine long-range business jet with intercontinental capability.

First flight

1976

Category

Business jet

Seating

8–9 passengers

Range

5,660 km

Engines

Three Honeywell TFE731-3-1C turbofans (50EX: TFE731-40)

Status

In service

The Dassault Falcon 50 is a French-built long-range business jet developed by Dassault Aviation, first flying in 1976 and entering service in 1979. It features a trijet configuration derived from the Falcon 20 wing design, paired with a supercritical wing that significantly improved aerodynamic efficiency and range performance. The aircraft was designed to offer transatlantic range for corporate and VIP operators, capable of flying nonstop from Paris to New York under favorable conditions. Its S-duct center engine intake, similar in concept to the Boeing 727, became a recognizable design element. The Falcon 50 was later developed into the stretched and further improved Falcon 50EX variant, which introduced FADEC-equipped TFE731-40 engines for better performance and fuel efficiency. Production has ended but many examples remain in active service worldwide with corporate, charter, and government operators.

Notable operators

Operated primarily by corporate flight departments, charter companies, and government/military VIP transport units in France, Italy, and other nations.

Notable facts

›First flew on 7 November 1976 and received French certification in February 1979.
›Derived its supercritical wing technology from Dassault's research with the Falcon 20.
›The Falcon 50EX variant introduced FADEC-equipped engines and improved avionics.
›The S-duct center engine design routes intake air around the tail structure, similar to the Boeing 727.
›Over 350 Falcon 50 and 50EX aircraft were produced before production concluded.