Dassault Aviation is making progress toward an early 2021 planned first flight for its latest and roomiest aircraft, theFalcon 6X, despite the upheaval caused by the coronavirus epidemic.

Electric, hydraulic and fuel system tests have been completed and testing of the Falcon 6X’s advanced digital flight control system have begun. Ground fatigue and damage tolerance testing has also been initiated. This test cycle will later be extended to include stress testing to maximum load limits and beyond.

The Falcon 6X sets a new industry benchmark for cabin comfort, long-range performance and flying efficiency. It offers the largest cabin cross section of any purpose-built business jet (6’6” tall by 8’6” wide) and its 5,500 nautical mile range capability allows it to connect far flung routes such as Paris to Tokyo or Los Angeles to Moscow.

The new twinjet is also equipped with the latest innovative technologies, including a new-generation Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) that provides unmatched maneuverability in flight. The new DFCS controls all moving surfaces including a new multifunction control area called a flaperon, adapted from Dassault fighter aircraft.