French planemaker Dassault is building a brand new $53 million private jet and it's just inches from certification. Meet the Falcon 6X.

Taylor Rains,Pete SymeAug 4, 2023, 16:05 IST

Dassault is building a brand new $53 million private jet called the Falcon 6X.Taylor Rains/Insider

Dassault Aviation is nearing the launch of its new $53 million Falcon 6X private jet.
The aircraft is still in the certification process, but deliveries are expected to begin this year.

French planemaker Dassault Aviation has been producing private aircraft since 1963 when it launched its first business plane — the Mystère 20.

In an effort to better compete in the American market, the jet was eventually rebranded as the Falcon 20, officially launching one of the world's most successful family of business aircraft.

Over 60 years, Dassault has built and delivered over 2,700 Falcon jets, including private jets to some of the world's most influential people like Elon Musk.

There are currently three Falcon models being built and sold — the 8X, the 900LX, and the 2000LXS. The 2000LXS is the smallest type, but it still carries up to 10 people across some 4,600 miles.

Meanwhile, two Dassault variants are still awaiting certification — the 6X and the 10X. The 10X, dubbed the "penthouse of the skies," will have the world's largest passenger cabin of any purpose-built private jet, but deliveries are not expected until at least 2025.

The 6X, however, is on the home stretch of certification after five years of development. It was actually announced after a failed attempt to produce a Falcon 5X model.

Dassault showed off its fully-built experimental Falcon 6X jet at the Paris Airshow in June. Take a look inside the $53 million plane.

Equipped with two next-generation Pratt & Whitney PW812D engines, the Falcon 6X is able to journey up to 6,300 miles nonstop.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The twin-jet is the second dual-engine plane made by Dassault after its 2000LXS, differing from the company's previous three-engine design on its 900 and 8X variants.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Although the 6X has one fewer engine, it is still capable of flying up to Mach 0.90 — the same as the 8X trijet — and can maneuver in and out of hard-to-reach airports.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Although the 6X has one fewer engine, it is still capable of flying up to Mach 0.90 — the same as the 8X trijet — and can maneuver in and out of hard-to-reach airports.

In addition to its performance, the 6X also has a cabin design that is the tallest and widest in business aviation.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The judges particularly liked the cabin's skylight, easy-to-use fingertip controls, 30 "extra-large" windows, and calming mood lighting.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The touchscreen control system is typical on private jets and can be used to manage things like temperature and light, as well as display flight information.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Moreover, the aircraft's low cabin altitude and sound-proof technology could help improve passenger comfort.

Taylor Rains/Insider

But these are just a few features. The core of the cabin is the multiple living spaces that can seat between 12 and 16 people.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Onboard the plane in Paris, there were a few distinct living spaces including a conference area, a dining room, and a lounge.

Taylor Rains/Insider

The adjustable chairs throughout each room were sleek with a cream-colored finishing and were accompanied by wood-like tables that can be stored into the cabin wall.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Meanwhile, the dining room table was complete with a tablecloth, plates, silverware, glasses, and a bottle of wine.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While it isn't quite big enough to have a bedroom as well, Dassault's 6X has a multi-use "Privacy Suite" in the back of the plane — giving people a place to talk, wind down, or sleep.

Taylor Rains/Insider

While it isn't quite big enough to have a bedroom as well, Dassault's 6X has a multi-use "Privacy Suite" in the back of the plane — giving people a place to talk, wind down, or sleep.

Although Dassault's design has two couches, the 6X can be customized with other options like a TV and privacy dividers.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Also onboard is a galley and a lavatory. The kitchen has a coffee maker, a refrigerator, and a convection oven.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Other small — yet standard — touches include things like cup holders, cubbies, pillows, blankets, adjustable window shades, and charging ports.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Meanwhile, the cockpit features Dassault's new Digital Flight Control System, which "dramatically smooths turbulence and increases safety."

Dassault Aviation

As the 6X nears certification, Dassault has had one significant setback relating to the jet's fuel tank.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Specifically, European regulators are concerned about the tank's exposure to things like runway debris that could cause a fuel leak during flight.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Despite the setback, the manufacturer is hoping to start deliveries this year — meaning the aircraft is on the cusp of launch and it's likely just a matter of time.

Taylor Rains/Insider

Despite the setback, the manufacturer is hoping to start deliveries this year — meaning the aircraft is on the cusp of launch and it's likely just a matter of time.

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French planemaker Dassault is building a brand new $53 million private jet and it's just inches from certification. Meet the Falcon 6X.

Equipped with two next-generation Pratt & Whitney PW812D engines, the Falcon 6X is able to journey up to 6,300 miles nonstop.

The twin-jet is the second dual-engine plane made by Dassault after its 2000LXS, differing from the company's previous three-engine design on its 900 and 8X variants.

Although the 6X has one fewer engine, it is still capable of flying up to Mach 0.90 — the same as the 8X trijet — and can maneuver in and out of hard-to-reach airports.

In addition to its performance, the 6X also has a cabin design that is the tallest and widest in business aviation.

The judges particularly liked the cabin's skylight, easy-to-use fingertip controls, 30 "extra-large" windows, and calming mood lighting.

The touchscreen control system is typical on private jets and can be used to manage things like temperature and light, as well as display flight information.

Moreover, the aircraft's low cabin altitude and sound-proof technology could help improve passenger comfort.

But these are just a few features. The core of the cabin is the multiple living spaces that can seat between 12 and 16 people.

Onboard the plane in Paris, there were a few distinct living spaces including a conference area, a dining room, and a lounge.

The adjustable chairs throughout each room were sleek with a cream-colored finishing and were accompanied by wood-like tables that can be stored into the cabin wall.

Meanwhile, the dining room table was complete with a tablecloth, plates, silverware, glasses, and a bottle of wine.

While it isn't quite big enough to have a bedroom as well, Dassault's 6X has a multi-use "Privacy Suite" in the back of the plane — giving people a place to talk, wind down, or sleep.

Although Dassault's design has two couches, the 6X can be customized with other options like a TV and privacy dividers.

Also onboard is a galley and a lavatory. The kitchen has a coffee maker, a refrigerator, and a convection oven.

Other small — yet standard — touches include things like cup holders, cubbies, pillows, blankets, adjustable window shades, and charging ports.

Meanwhile, the cockpit features Dassault's new Digital Flight Control System, which "dramatically smooths turbulence and increases safety."

As the 6X nears certification, Dassault has had one significant setback relating to the jet's fuel tank.

Specifically, European regulators are concerned about the tank's exposure to things like runway debris that could cause a fuel leak during flight.

Despite the setback, the manufacturer is hoping to start deliveries this year — meaning the aircraft is on the cusp of launch and it's likely just a matter of time.