Dassault's second Falcon 10X prototype begins flight testing

Dassault Aviation's second Falcon 10X prototype has begun flight testing, with three flights completed since its maiden sortie on 24 September, according to FlightGlobal.

The airframer did not announce the first flight when it occurred, instead disclosing the milestone in its regular 'Falcon Flightline' email round-up with the terse phrase: "A second aircraft is now flying."

Flight tracking data shows the ultra-long-range business jet (F-WTEN) has completed sorties on 24 September, 28 September and 2 October. It has now joined the programme's lead prototype (F-WINS) at Istres air base in the south of France.

Dassault says the lead aircraft is "routinely flying three test missions a week", with each flight lasting around 4 hours "in a methodical process of opening the envelope to higher speeds, angles of attack and altitudes". Flight tracking data indicates the first prototype last flew on 2 October.

To date, the highest speed recorded by the Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X-powered jet is Mach 0.85, the aircraft's long-range cruise speed.

Service entry for the Falcon 10X is now set for 2029. Dassault pushed back a previous late-2027 target for entry into service in July of this year.

Dual-prototype testing phase

The Falcon 10X programme has now moved into dual-prototype testing ahead of customer deliveries, with both aircraft working through the test envelope simultaneously. The reporting does not say how many total flight hours have been logged across the programme to date, nor does it disclose expected production rate or pre-delivery order book.

For buyers awaiting the aircraft, the second prototype's entry into the test campaign does not change delivery expectations. Dassault's 2029 service entry target remains the timeline against which customers should plan.

What the changes mean for buyers

The addition of a second test aircraft accelerates the pace at which Dassault can explore the flight envelope and work through the certification process ahead of first customer delivery. However, the reporting does not say whether the revised 2029 target leaves room for slippage or represents a firm commitment, nor does it disclose how many aircraft customers have ordered or what deposit terms apply to those orders.