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.
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