Dassault Falcon 7X arrives in Australia
The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) first leased Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft has arrived in Canberra, the Australian Department of Defence announced on 16 April.
The aircraft will be operated by Number 34 Squadron as part of the Special Purpose Aircraft fleet, based at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in the Australian Capital Territory.
The new aircraft will replace the Bombardier CL604 Challengers and provide a larger passenger load, modern communication and increased range and endurance. The jet can accommodate three crew members and carry up to 14 passengers.
The aircraft has a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.9 and a range of up to 11,000km. The Falcon features a high-tech wing, an advanced glass cockpit with a heads-up display and an infrared enhanced vision system. It also has satellite communications.
Its ability to land at almost all airfields will provide the RAAF with accessibility to regional and remote airfields.
The fleet will continue to be maintained by Northrop Grumman.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![AUKUS plan B? Japan’s submarines stopgap gains traction]()
AUKUS plan B? Japan’s submarines stopgap gains traction
Australia’s Collins-class life of type extension has revived debate over whether Canberra needs a contingency plan as risks to every stage of the AUKUS pathway mount. With Japan newly open to exports, the case for a diesel-electric stopgap is gaining traction.
-
![Seoul’s SSN programme launch raises questions on fuel, tech and build location]()
Seoul’s SSN programme launch raises questions on fuel, tech and build location
Seoul has unveiled its “Jangbogo-N Project” to develop domestically built, nuclear-propelled attack submarines in close coordination with Washington, marking an escalation of the Republic of Korea’s deterrence posture against Pyongyang’s undersea nuclear capabilities.
-
![Tokyo’s naval export drive gains strategic depth in Southeast Asia]()
Tokyo’s naval export drive gains strategic depth in Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s consideration of Mogami-class frigates points to a widening export opportunity for Tokyo across Southeast Asia and raises the prospect of the Mogami becoming the region’s default mid-tier surface combatant.
