French-based aerospace manufacturer Dassault knew they had a good thing going with the original Falcon 2000 heavy jet. As a private jet charter, it provides a commendable mix of speed, cabin comfort and fuel economy. If there was one thing missing from the equation, it was range. Enter the Falcon 2000EX. Building on the success of the Falcon 2000 program, the EX version features a 25% boost in range over its predecessor. This longer-legged version is capable of flying up to 3,800 nautical miles, which opens up numerous flight planning opportunities that were previously unattainable. For instance, the Falcon 2000EX can fly nonstop from either London or Paris to the Eastern Seaboard. It also allows corporate travelers originating in midwestern centers—such as Chicago and Detroit—to fly eastward to Europe without stopping. Other international itineraries include:
- Dubai to London
- Sao Paulo to Miami
Of course, the 2000EX can handle shorter legs at higher cruise speeds. Yet, the 2000EX airframe is virtually identical to the original in terms of:
- Design
- Dimensions
- Cockpit
- Cabin volume
In order to achieve greater range, changes were necessary:
- Larger fuel tanks (37% larger)
- Increased engine thrust
- Higher MTOW (maximum takeoff weight)
- Improved fuel system
Bigger Engines, Better Performance
Much of the credit goes to the two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C turbofan engines that power the 2000EX. Each one delivers 7,000 pounds of thrust, bringing it to its initial cruise altitude of 37,000 feet in just 16 minutes. Its long-range cruising altitude is typically 43,000 feet. Remarkably, despite the larger, more powerful turbofans, the 2000EX is nearly as fuel-efficient as the Falcon 2000. This comes down to the technological advances at Pratt & Whitney Canada. The beefier engines allow the Falcon 2000EX to take off with 5,585 feet of runway at sea level. And depending on the mission, it can fly at a high cruise speed of 554 mph for shorter legs, and 484 mph for longer distances. Another feature the Falcon 2000 was already renowned for was its quiet cabin. Yet, the design team at Dassault wasn’t satisfied. They wanted the 2000EX to be even quieter to provide the most relaxing inflight experience possible. They achieved it through:
- Improved aerodynamics
- Redesigned engine mounts
- Improved sound insulation materials
The cabin volume of the Falcon 2000EX is identical to the 2000, measuring 1,024 cubic feet. Likewise, its interior dimensions are the same:
- 17 feet tall
- 67 feet wide
- 3 feet long
And like the original, the EX is best suited for a complement of eight to 12 passengers, although that can be stretched to 19 if needed. The standard arrangement is a double-club seating format. The clever design team at Dassault built the seats so that two of them could be fully reclined and connected to form a bed. To keep passengers content during long-haul private jet charter flights, the 2000EX if fitted with a well-equipped, full-service galley. There is also a private dressing room so that passengers can freshen up before they land. Overall, the Dassault Falcon 2000EX represents exceptional value for those who require a private jet charter with a proven track record for reliability and performance.
