Falcon announces new 2000LXS

Building on the success of its 4,000-nautical-mile model 2000LX, Dassault Falcon Jet announced Oct. 29 the launch of a lighter variant—the 2000LXS—that promises the same range as its predecessor, but no payload compromises, shorter runway requirements, and a new, three-screen Honeywell Easy II cockpit. Though the LXS will have a 600-pound heavier max takeoff weight, this will be partially offset by weight savings worth 400 pounds through structural improvements and lighter completion items such as soundproofing and insulation.

With full fuel, the LXS will have a payload of 2,190 pounds, and at its max takeoff weight of 42,800 pounds its balanced field length will be 4,675 feet, according to John Rosanvallon, Dassault Falcon’s president and CEO.

The addition of new inboard slats will give LXS a 2,300-foot landing distance at max landing weight. The LX, on the other hand, needs 2,730 feet. And also thanks to the slats, the LXS’ max landing weight Vref will be 107 knots, compared to the LX’s 116 knots.

Like the LX, the LXS will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW308C engines of 7,000 lbs max thrust. But the LXS engines will come with new Talon II combustors, which will produce 20 percent lower nitrogen oxide emissions without any penalty in power. Dassault Falcon says the new combustor will make the engines 40 percent greener than required by future regulations. Over six years of operation, the new engines will save customers $1.5 million in operating costs over a Challenger 605, and $4.2 million over the Gulfstream G450, Rosanvallon said.

Cabin sound levels will be lowered by two decibels compared to the LX, and interiors will come with the new FalconCabin HD+ cabin management system. The system has high-definition touchscreens, Rockwell Collins’ Airshow 3D, and functions that can be controlled by iPods or iPhones anywhere in the cabin. Window shades, lighting, and cabin temperatures also can be controlled by the HD+.

Certification of the $34.5 million 2000LXS will come in the first half of 2013, with deliveries beginning in 2014. At that time Dassault Falcon Jet will cease production of the 2000LX.