Dassault Falcon 20
| Company type | Business jet |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | December 1961 |
| Founder | Dassault Aviation |
| Headquarters | Bordeaux–Mérignac , France |
| Products | Business jets (Falcon 20 series) |
The Dassault Falcon 20 represents a pioneering French business jet crafted by Dassault Aviation as its inaugural entry into the business jet market, laying the groundwork for a series that also encompasses the smaller Falcon 10 and the larger three-engine Falcon 50.
Originally designated the Dassault-Breguet Mystère 20, its development received approval in December 1961. The aircraft is characterized by a low-wing monoplane configuration, equipped with two rear-mounted General Electric CF700 turbofan engines. The prototype took to the skies for the first time on 4 May 1963, with production commencing on 3 June 1965. Shortly thereafter, French aviator Jacqueline Auriol established a women's world speed record aboard this prototype.
An early agreement with Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) as the U.S. distributor led to American deliveries being marketed under the name Fan Jet Falcon, which soon became widely recognized as the Falcon 20. By 1968, Pan Am’s Business Jets Division had placed firm orders for 160 units, significantly boosting initial market penetration. Other notable civil and military operators included the French Navy, United States Coast Guard, and Federal Express.
An upgraded model, known as the Falcon 200, featured Garrett ATF3 engines that enhanced range, payload capacity, and onboard comfort. Numerous original Falcons powered by CF700 engines were later retrofitted with quieter and more fuel-efficient Garrett TFE731 turbofans. Production persisted until 1988 when newer Falcon variants succeeded it. Due to evolving noise regulations, many Falcon 20s have either been restricted or modified with Stage 3 noise-compliant engines or hush kits. The platform has also been utilized for experimental purposes by entities such as NASA. Notably, in November 2012, a Falcon 20 became the first civilian jet to operate solely on 100% biofuel.
Origins
During the 1950s and 1960s, the French government aimed to develop a twin-turbofan liaison and trainer aircraft to bolster its domestic aerospace sector. Among contenders was Dassault Aviation, whose leader Marcel Dassault sanctioned the creation of an eight- to ten-seat executive jet and military liaison aircraft in December 1961, initially named the Dassault-Breguet Mystère 20. This design drew inspiration from the transonic Dassault Mystère IV fighter-bomber and featured a low-wing monoplane layout powered by two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbojets.
The Mystère 20 prototype completed its maiden flight on 4 May 1963 at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport, France. Subsequently, focus shifted toward commercial applications, particularly targeting North American markets. Recognizing Dassault’s limited direct sales network in English-speaking regions, the company opted to partner with an established U.S. distributor rather than pursue direct sales. Pan Am, which was launching a corporate jet sales division, selected the Mystère 20 after assessing available business jets.
The collaboration between Dassault and Pan Am advanced rapidly. Incorporating Pan Am’s input, the aircraft was re-engined with General Electric CF700 turbofans and enlarged in several dimensions. Pan Am agreed to distribute the Mystère 20 across the Western Hemisphere and placed an initial firm order for 40 units with options for an additional 120 aircraft. The updated version first flew on 10 July 1964; production models began flying on 1 January 1965. Both French and American type certifications were granted by June of that year. On 10 June 1965, aviator Jacqueline Auriol set a women's world speed record flying the first prototype at an average velocity of 859 km/h over a distance of 1000 km.
Deliveries to Pan Am were completed at their outfitting facility located at Burbank Airport, California, while non-U.S. aircraft were finished at Bordeaux-Mérignac. In 1966, Pan Am rebranded the aircraft as Fan Jet Falcon, eventually shortening it to Falcon 20. By 1967, firm orders from Pan Am had risen to a total of 160 Falcon 20 jets. Military operators included Australia, Canada, France, and the United States.
In 1973, FedEx purchased FA-20-DC Falcons for $1.2 million apiece; these were adapted with larger cargo doors, reinforced flooring, increased maximum takeoff weights, and improved braking systems to accommodate cargo transport missions.
Further development
A number of Falcon 20 aircraft initially equipped with CF700 engines were subsequently re-engined with Garrett TFE731 powerplants in accordance with AMD-BA Service Bulletin No. 731, which resulted in the addition of a "-5" suffix to their model designation for differentiation. Volpar Inc. initiated a re-engining initiative involving Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305 engines; however, this project was discontinued prior to receiving FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval.
An enhanced model, the Falcon 200, incorporated more advanced jet engines alongside improvements in range, passenger capacity, and onboard comfort. The Falcon 200, together with the Falcon 20G and HU-25 variants, utilized Garrett ATF3 engines. Industry analysts have observed that the Falcon 200 aligns more closely with the subsequent Falcon 50 trijet than with the original Falcon 20.
Dassault produced several derivatives stemming from the Falcon 20 platform, including the smaller Falcon 10, the larger Falcon 30 which accommodated 30 seats—this model was constructed and test flown but never entered production—and the tri-engine Falcon 50. Production of the Falcon 20 continued until 1988 when it was succeeded by more modern aircraft. Overall, manufacturing totals reached 473 units of the Falcon 20 and 35 units of the Falcon 200.
In 2013, the FAA revised regulations to prohibit operation after December 31, 2015, of jets weighing 75,000 pounds or less that did not meet Stage 3 noise standards. The Falcon 20 was specifically identified within this mandate, necessitating modifications such as installation of Stage 3-compliant engines or hush kits to maintain legal operation within the contiguous United States. Post-deadline operations may be allowed through special flight authorizations under defined conditions.
Design
The Dassault Falcon 20 is a French-made business jet recognized for its user-friendly flight characteristics and attractive design. Its favorable aerodynamic qualities eliminated the need for stall prevention devices like stick pushers or stall barriers, resulting in consistent and predictable stall behavior. The flight control system combines hydraulically powered controls with mechanical pushrods, enabling continued operation nearly unaffected by hydraulic failure. An artificial feel mechanism provides pilots with smooth and precise tactile feedback during control input. The cockpit of the Falcon 200 underwent significant modernization, bearing closer resemblance to that of the Falcon 50 rather than the original Falcon 20.
Typically equipped with two General Electric CF700 turbofan engines mounted at the rear fuselage, some variants have employed Garrett TFE731 and ATF3 engines instead. These newer powerplants enhanced performance metrics including range, speed, and climb rate while complementing the aircraft’s streamlined low-drag fuselage; however, they require careful speed management during flight. Certain models are fitted with electronic flight computers that offer engine protection functions and throttle-lock capabilities during climbs. Due to engine placement on the rear fuselage, thrust reversal is achieved via rotatable doors on the engine nacelles that redirect exhaust flow forward and upward.
The wing design features a pronounced sweep combined with leading-edge slats that enhance low-speed handling and reduce stall speed. These slats deploy automatically when high angles of attack are encountered; inner slats retract near stall conditions to preserve stability and maintain effective aileron control. For the Falcon 200 variant, wing modifications included re-profiling to improve low-speed performance and shorten runway requirements; this involved adding a distinctive wing root fillet and shortening wing fences. Although a complete wing redesign was contemplated, it was ultimately rejected due to cost considerations. Wing air brakes are installed but provide less smooth operation compared to the dual-brake landing gear system. Ground handling is facilitated by a fully steerable nosewheel controlled directly from the captain’s seat.
FAA Supplemental Type Certificate SA5858SW authorizes installation of underwing pylons on various Falcon 20 series aircraft; these are extensively utilized in special mission configurations for carrying external stores. Numerous Falcon 20s have been converted into cargo variants featuring hydraulically operated cargo doors to enable efficient loading operations. Upon its introduction, the Falcon 200 offered one of the largest cabins in its class among mid-size business jets and featured a redesigned aft fuselage incorporating a tailcone baggage compartment with a volume of approximately 28 cubic feet in addition to standard rear cabin storage space.
Commercial, corporate, and private use
The Falcon 20 initially experienced robust sales in North America; however, these declined during the Recession of 1969–70, leading to a surplus of unsold aircraft as Pan American Business Jets Division sought purchasers. By the end of 1973, sales in the United States rebounded, with Falcon Jet Corporation—a joint venture primarily controlled by Dassault—assuming sales duties. At the same time, Dassault was preparing to introduce the smaller and enhanced Dassault Falcon 10 model.
From the late 1950s through the early 1970s, aviation pioneer Frederick W. Smith recognized the Falcon 20 as an ideal platform for launching his company, Federal Express, highlighting the availability of unsold planes and the aircraft’s durable fuselage suitable for freight transport. Despite facing financial constraints, Federal Express procured several Falcon 20s and converted them from passenger to cargo configurations. In September 1972, the company implemented an internal pilot training program to facilitate the transition to commercial operations with the Falcon.
Federal Express commenced air express package service in April 1973 from its Memphis base using Falcon 20 aircraft. Within three years, it had established a nationwide network centered around this model and reached profitability. Rising demand prompted plans to incorporate larger cargo planes into the fleet. At its operational peak, Federal Express maintained a fleet of 33 Falcon 20s before gradually replacing them with bigger aircraft such as the Boeing 727-100. The inaugural Falcon 20 employed by Federal Express is currently exhibited at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center located at Dulles Airport.
U.S. Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) utilized the Falcon 20 under the designation HU-25 Guardian, a swift aircraft tasked with locating survivors of shipwrecks, coordinating rescue missions, and disrupting aerial and maritime drug trafficking. The first HU-25 was delivered in 1982; by December 1983, a total of 41 units had been acquired. Eventually, this jet was succeeded by the EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry, a turboprop aircraft.
The HU-25 played a crucial role in search and rescue operations as well as counter-narcotics missions and was deployed during the 1991 Gulf War. Early HU-25A models were upgraded to HU-25B variants equipped with sensors designed for detecting oil spills and environmental contaminants. Subsequent versions—the HU-25C and its enhanced forms HU-25C+ and HU-25D—featured advanced radar systems optimized for drug interdiction efforts. After serving for 32 years, the final HU-25 was retired on 26 September 2014. It was notable as the only jet-powered aircraft in the USCG's operational air fleet; its retirement marked a loss of high-speed capability since replacement aircraft are slower.
Aerial testbeds
In 1988, the USCG evaluated a Falcon 20C (tail number N200GT) outfitted with Garrett TFE1042 afterburners, which necessitated titanium heat shielding due to the positioning of the engine mounts.
The United States Air Force took possession of Falcon 20Cs N20NY (cn 61) in 1990 and HU-25A 2125 (N448TB) in 2006 for experimental purposes at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Both aircraft were subsequently retired and donated to a community college by the mid-2020s.
In 2011, NASA acquired a former Coast Guard HU-25C for use in Operation IceBridge, equipping it with a scanning laser altimeter to survey Arctic surface topography from its base at Langley Research Center.
In November 2012, a Falcon 20 became the first civilian jet to operate on 100% biofuel during a test flight conducted by Canada's National Research Council.
Variants
- Mystère/Falcon 20
- The initial prototype, with a single unit constructed. It was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbojet engines. Currently preserved at Musée Air et Espace Aéroport Paris – Le Bourget.
- Mystère/Falcon 20C
- The first production model featuring an extended fuselage capable of accommodating 10 to 12 passengers, powered by CF700-2B engines.
- Falcon 20CC (s/n 073)
- A modified Falcon 20C adapted for operations on unpaved airstrips, incorporating larger wheels with low-pressure tires, reinforced belly skin, and removal of the main landing gear doors.
- Mystère/Falcon 20D
- This variant includes upgraded General Electric CF700-2D engines delivering greater thrust, improved fuel efficiency, and increased fuel storage capacity.
- Mystère/Falcon 20E
- Enhanced model with General Electric CF700-2D-2 engines providing higher thrust and an increased zero fuel weight limit.
- Mystère/Falcon 20F
- Introduced full leading-edge droop flaps along with additional fuel capacity enhancements.
- Falcon 20FH
- The initial designation for the Falcon 200 prototype aircraft.
- Falcon 20G
- A maritime patrol and surveillance configuration fitted with two Garrett AiResearch Garrett ATF3-6-2C turbofan engines.
- Falcon 20H
- The original designation assigned to the Falcon 200 model.
- Falcon 200
- An advanced version powered by two Garrett ATF3-6A-4C turbofans producing 2360 kg (5,200 lb) of thrust each, featuring enlarged fuel tanks. Its maiden flight occurred on 30 April 1980.
- Falcon ST
- Two Falcon 20 aircraft utilized by the French Air Force as systems trainers, equipped with combat radar and navigation systems derived from the Dassault Mirage IIIE.
- HU-25A Guardian
- The United States Coast Guard’s adaptation of the Falcon 20G, totaling forty-one units built with two Garrett AiResearch Garrett ATF3-6-2C turbofan engines.
- HU-25B Guardian
- A pollution monitoring variant for the US Coast Guard, equipped with side-looking airborne radar (SLAR). Seven units were converted from HU-25As.
- HU-25C Guardian
- Designed for drug interdiction missions, this version includes Westinghouse APG-66 search radar and a WF-360 Forward looking infrared turret. Nine HU-25As underwent conversion to this standard.
- HU-25C+ Guardian
- An upgraded HU-25C featuring improved AN/APG-66(V)2 radar and a new FLIR turret; all nine original HU-25Cs were modernized accordingly.
- HU-25D Guardian
- An enhanced HU-25A variant incorporating AN/APS-143B(V)3 Inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) and the same FLIR system as the HU-25C+. Fifteen aircraft received this upgrade.
- Guardian 2
- A maritime patrol and surveillance derivative of the Falcon 200 that ultimately did not proceed to production.
- CC-117
- The Canadian military designation assigned to the Falcon 20C beginning in 1970.
- Fan Jet Falcon
- The name used in North America to refer to the Falcon 20 series.
- Falcon Cargo Jet (Falcon 20DC)
- A cargo conversion extensively acquired and modified by Federal Express for overnight package delivery services.
- Falcon 20C-5, 20D-5, 20E-5, 20F-5
- Variants fitted with Garrett TFE731 engines and enhanced systems including ATTCS (automatic takeoff thrust control system).
- Falcon 30
- A stretched commuter airliner derivative accommodating up to 30 passengers, powered by two Lycoming ALF 502D turbofans. Only one prototype was built with its first flight on 11 May 1973. No further development or production of the proposed Mystére 40-100 followed.
Current civilian operators
- USA Jet Airlines
- Alliance Air Charter
- Kalitta Charters
- Ameristar Jet Charter
- IFL Group Inc.
- Sierra West Airlines
- Private operators
- Draken Europe (previously FR Aviation/Cobham Limited)
- Aerovision
- Service des avions français instrumentés pour la recherche en environnement
- Guardian Air
- FalconAir
Past civilian users
- Imani Aviation (no longer operating)
- Pan Am
- Grand Aire Express
- Phoenix Air
- Fedex Express
- Ameriflight/California Air Charter
Active military users
- Imperial and Islamic Republic of Iran Air Forces and Army Aviation
- Imperial and Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Aviation
- Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps
- Pakistan Air Force – currently operates three units, including two DA-20s assigned to EW/ECM/ESM missions
Previous military users
- Royal Australian Air Force – Operated three aircraft from 1967 until 1989
- Belgian Air Component – Utilized two Falcon 20E-5 VIP jets, retired in 2016
- Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Forces – CC-117 flown by 412 and 414 Squadrons between 1970 and 1989
- Royal Jordanian Air Force, Jordanian Royal Flight
- Libyan Air Force (used as Mirage Weapons Trainer)
- Royal Norwegian Air Force
- Retired two aircraft following a farewell flight in September 2022, succeeded by F-35A and P-8 Poseidon platforms
- Oman Royal Flight
In popular media
- The Mystère 20 prototype was featured in the 1966 film How to Steal a Million, with performances by Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole.
Bibliography
- Chillon, Jacques; Dubois, Jean-Pierre; Wegg, John. French Post-War Transport Aircraft. Air-Britain, 1980.
- Dorr, Robert F. 365 Aircraft You Must Fly. Voyageur Press, 2015.
- Frock, Roger. Changing How the World Does Business: Fedex's Incredible Journey to Success – The Inside Story. Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2006.
- Gates, Brian. Falcon Mystere 20 Production History. Midland Counties Publications, 1978.
- U.S. Coast Guard. "HU-25 'Guardian' Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft", 2007.
- Kaminski, Tom. "Dassault HU-25: The Coast Guard's Guardian". International Air Power Review, AIRtime Publishing, 2007.
- McClennan, J. Mac. "French Bred - Dassault Falcon 200: Not just a Pretty Face". Flying, April 1987.
- Simpson, R.W. Airlife's General Aviation. Airlife Publishing Ltd, 1995.
- Michell, Simon. Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95. Jane's Information Group, 1994.
- Taylor, John W.R., ed. Jane's All the World's Aircraft editions (1965–66; 1974–75; 1980–81; 1988–89).
- Musée Air et Espace Aéroport Paris – Le Bourget. "Dassault Mystère 20 Prototype", 2010.