Posted on May 9th, 2024
The Dassault Falcon 5X was a planned large-cabin, long-range business jet developed by Dassault Aviation. Initially announced as a new entry in the super-midsize class, the aircraft underwent several design evolutions before the program was ultimately canceled in 2017 due to ongoing engine development delays.
Work on the Falcon 5X began in 2006 under the internal name “SMS” for Super Midsize. It was designed to compete with aircraft like the Hawker 4000, Gulfstream G200, Bombardier Challenger 300, and Embraer Legacy 600. Dassault targeted a range of approximately 3,400 nautical miles (6,297 km) and initially selected Rolls-Royce RB282 engines.
Following the 2008 global recession, market demand shifted away from midsize jets and toward larger, long-range aircraft. Dassault revised the 5X design to reflect those changes and reconsidered its engine supplier.
In 2013, Dassault formally unveiled the Falcon 5X at the NBAA convention, now powered by Snecma Silvercrest engines. These were a new engine type still under development by Safran. The Falcon 5X promised an advanced digital flight deck, wide-body cabin, and modern aerodynamics.
However, repeated delays and technical issues with the Silvercrest engine—including problems with its high-pressure compressor—pushed back the 5X timeline. Originally scheduled for service entry in 2017, the program experienced multiple postponements. A preliminary test flight using uncertified engines occurred in July 2017, but Dassault announced a production freeze and ultimately canceled the program in December 2017.
Instead of abandoning the platform entirely, Dassault re-engineered the design and introduced the Falcon 6X in 2018. This new aircraft retained the fuselage cross-section and flight control systems of the 5X but offered significant improvements:
The 6X also incorporates many of the 5X’s validated flight systems, including the advanced Honeywell EASy III flight deck and Falcon’s signature digital flight control system. It is positioned to compete with the Gulfstream G500/G600 and Bombardier Global 5500/6500.
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