Dassault Aviation has kicked off the flight test campaign for its Falcon 8X ultra-long-range business jet, less than nine months after unveiling the 19-seater at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva. The aircraft - serial number one - lifted off for its maiden flight from Dassault's plant at Bordeaux Merignac airport at 14:00 local time on 6 February with test pilots Eric Ge'rard and Herve Laverne at the controls. "The 8X levelled off at 5,000ft and raised its landing gear before beginning flight handling manoeuvres and system tests at 15,000ft," says Dassault. "It later climbed to flight level 400 [39,400ft], accelerating to Mach 0.80. The aircraft subsequently descended to 5,000ft for approach and landing at 15:45." Throughout the flight "the 8X demonstrated excellent handling qualities", says Gerard. "We reached each of the performance objectives set for the first mission and, in a few cases, surpassed target goals." Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation chairman and chief executive, says the trijet is on track for certification in mid-2016 and first deliveries in the second half of the year.
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