Dassault private jets: the history and main models of this aircraft manufacturer

The plane isn’t just one of the fastest ways to travel, it has also irrevocably revolutionized the entire world. Minimizing distances and allowing almost anyone to reach any city in the world, particularly those who have the possibility of chartering a private jet.

 

Modern skies are not only traced by large airliners carrying hundreds of passengers, there are also a good number of small and medium-sized business jets joining daily.

 

These aircraft have changed the business world.

 

Companies like Dassault have specialized throughout the years in the producing these particular aircraft. We took some time to analyze the history of this French company, and how it came to be considered among the most important leaders in the field of civil and military aeronautics.

 

Dassault private jets

 

Dassault private jets, also known as Dassault Aviation, is a French company, founded in the early 1900s, specializing in the production of aircraft for both civilians and the military sector.

 

Like all companies that occupy an earned place in history, the history of Dassault is closely connected to that of its founder, from which its name originates.

 

At its inception was an idea, a will to create something different and, more precisely, to build it in the best way.

 

Today Dassault is one of the main companies producing jet aircraft with a focus on the business jet sector.

 

The Falcon model in its variations is among the most used jets by medium and large companies for travelling businessmen, or people of a high purchasing power.

 

Just consider, for Dassault, the construction of these jets makes up 60% of the turnover and, in the last few years, more than 2,500 Falcons have been produced.

 

Within a century, this company, guided by its creator and by those who kept faith in the idea, succeeded in adapting and reinventing throughout the evolutions of the market, and introduced new technologies and innovative ideas in the field of aeronautics.

 

Falcon models are synonymous with safety, comfort, and technology.

 

The history of Dassault Aviation - A reality connected to its creator

 

Marcel Bloch, the founder of Dassault, was born in Paris in 1892 and throughout his life, remained in one way or another influenced by and connected to planes.

 

As reported on the company's website, the sight of the first airplane built by the Wright brothers flying over Paris by rotating around the Eiffel tower was a remarkable event for Bloch. 

 

Marking a bud of the idea and inspiration that would lead him to create his first airplane, and eventually, Dassault aviation.

 

Bloch, following his dream, enrolled in the Ecole Superieure D'Aeronatique, graduating in aeronautical engineering in 1913.

 

The outbreak of the First World War saw him engaged in the supervision of aircraft production and, while doing so, his idea truly began to grow.

 

From Bloch’s first propeller, to the end of the First World War

 

During his time supervising, Marcel Bloch noticed a series of defects in the construction of propellers. He then designed his own model, that would eventually be called the Eclair propeller.

 

This propeller was chosen to be mounted on military aircraft by the French government in 1916.

 

Soon after, Bloch decided to work on his own aircraft model, which he presented in 1917 under the name of SEA IV.

 

With the end of conflict, it seemed the idea that would lead to founding Dassault would also be set aside.

 

Yet, Marcel Bloch decided to devote himself to other sectors, given that after the success of his first model, the French government officially declared with the end of the war there would be no other orders for aircraft.

 

Planes at the time were still considered a purely military resource, a strategic tool that allowed a tactical advantage. The idea of ​​using planes for civilian transport was still far off.

 

The 1920s and the development of the idea of ​​air transport

 

But things were changing.

 

In the 1920s, the aviation sector was given new impetus across the world.

 

From post, to the transport of passengers, and to Lindbergh's flight over the Atlantic in 1927, this decade showed how planes could also be used to unite continents and cover distances that were once unthinkable.

 

All nations gave new impetus to aircraft production

 

Marcel Bloch took advantage of the creation of the French Aviation Ministry in 1928: by founding his first design studio and presenting a three-propeller model capable of traveling long distances. The MB-120 took flight.

 

In a short period, the production of Dassault diversified with several aircraft models for the French army, such as the single-engine MB-81, the twin-engine MB-200, MB 210, and MB-131.

 

Bloch realized however, that the true future of aviation did not lie only in military production, but in the civil sector and more significantly, in passenger transport. The MB-220 and the MB-160 four-engine models were born with this in mind.

 

Over such a short time span, their aircraft production grew so much, that Marcel Bloch’s company was incorporated within the French National Aeronautical Society in 1936.

 

The darker years of Dassault: The Second World War

 

This new world war marked the darkest years for Marcel Bloch, a moment in history that saw his idea, and company, risk disappearing.

 

With the invasion of France during the Second World War, production came to a halt. As Bloch refused to accept the new Vichy government, remaining faithful to his convictions.

 

A fervent nationalist, he refused to contribute to the war effort of the new German-controlled France.

 

His connection to his homeland led him to be arrested, and then deported to Buchenwald by the Nazis.

 

The thought of the allies winning the war, and that at the end of it, he would resume the construction of new models, was what kept Marcel Bloch alive until his liberation in 1945.

 

The evolution of Dassault: from the Second World War to 1975

 

The end of the war marked a difficult time for the French air force, which was almost completely destroyed in the conflict.

 

But this did not stop Marcel Bloch from outlining the foundations of modern Dassault, with the establishment of the Marcel Bloch Aviation Society. The company soon after changed its name to the Aviation Company Marcel Dassault, after Marcel decided to take on the alias of his brother Paul, used during his years of resistance.

 

From this moment on, Marcel Bloch became known as Marcel Dassault.

 

His ability to invent, and the experience he gained during the war, allowed him to design aircraft that are inextricably connected to the history of military aviation, and to its future.

 

The Mystere series was joined in 1956 by the Mirage model, among the most competitive fighter jets in the world.

 

The Dassault models not only combined speed and aerodynamics, but also focused on new technologies and electronics, establishing them to be among the most advanced aircraft in technological innovation.

 

This success is due to Marcel Dassault's desire to constantly achieve new goals and to equip the aircraft with all of the new advantages that modern science and the development of technology could provide.

 

The creation of the Falcon and a new future for the company: the end of a century

 

The ability to adapt to new circumstances and an openness to innovative ideas were key elements, enabling Marcel Dassault to grow his company over the years.

 

Thanks to the high quality of Dassault’s military aircraft, the company has managed to consistently win all major military supply bids for decades. Thereby, guaranteeing a secure flow of revenue for its family and shareholders.

 

But in Marcel Dassault's view, this was just a foothold to reaching other goals.

 

With this in mind, Dassault went on to give impetus to the emerging passenger transportation sector with the creation of aircraft such as the Falcon, which made its debut in 1970.

 

The production was a huge success, and led to creating a series of models like the Falcon 50, and the Dassault Falcon 900, which in its multiple versions remained in production until 2009.

 

The success of Dassault industries has been inextricable from their innovations, led entirely by the spirit of innovation of its founder.

 

They were among the first to introduce digital design, bypassing the need to build a series of prototypes in designing aircraft, and thereby reducing production costs.

 

Marcel Dassault has always surrounded himself with competent and specialized people of each sector, creating a close-knit and level group that has followed him into every new project.

 

In 1986, when Marcel Dassault died, the company bearing his name was already a giant: adaptable and ready to face any situation, with a market in full expansion his legacy was left with excellent prospects for the future.

 

The 2000s: driven towards the future

 

The late 90s and waves of change felt in the economy had no bearing on a company like Dassault, ready to adapt to any situation.

 

Production systems were reorganized, management ensured the development of new projects, and the continued focus on creating digital prototypes allowed not only to reduce expenses, but led the company well into the new millennium; towards a process of automation and modernity.

 

The success of Dassault private jets also has its roots in the ideas of ​​its founder.

 

Thanks to Marcel, military and civil aviation departments have always collaborated with each other, integrating technologies for both the design and production of the aircraft.

 

By collaborating across sectors, Dassault was able to upgrade subsequent Falcon models without abandoning the production of its military models.

 

With this combination, even in the modern era’s digitization of systems and demand for increasingly sophisticated products, both aerodynamically and technologically, Dassault Aviation continues to be among the leading companies in the aviation world.

 

The Falcon model - The success of a company that has been able to look to the future

 

The Falcon model in its variations was one of the products that brought about the greatest success for Dassault Aviation.

 

Not only did the company occupy a place in the civilian sector, it also carved out a leading position in the production of business jets.

 

Considering everything, the diversification of models is not the only factor that led to satisfying the needs of the market. Technological evolution and attention given to the production phases have allowed Dassault to achieve high quality standards, unrivaled in the aviation sector.

 

A prime example is in the customization of each aircraft.

 

Falcon models can be customized by every customer at the time of purchase, thanks to digital processing and assistance from a consultant team.

 

Once the customer's choices are made, the project moves onto the production line with swift implementation.

 

Every detail is executed with the utmost attention throughout all stages of the process, from design, to delivery of each aircraft.

 

Currently, Dassault private jets produces the following Falcon models for civilian use:

 

• Falcon 8X: the largest Falcon series model with a seating capacity of 12 to 16 passengers and a range of 12,000 km. Its aerodynamic innovative design, with the three-engine structure positioned on its tail, offers maximum comfort and highly appreciated speed performances that can reach 685 km / h;
• Falcon 7X - 6X: are similar to the 8X model in seating capacity, but with a shorter range, between 11,000 km and 10,000 km. Standards and features still stand out in the quality and finish of the interiors;
• Falcon 900 XL: the model that has replaced the beloved 900 version, with a maximum range of 8,800 km and a carrying capacity of 12-14 people. It has a large cabin interior, comfortable and suited for even longer journeys. It is among the best-selling models with around 500 aircraft soaring the skies today;
• Falcon 2000 XLS: this twin-engine model carries 8-10 people with a range of 7.410 km. The Falcon 2000 XLS is a jet that offers comfort and efficiency, allowing entrepreneurs to travel comfortably from one city to the next, fully equipped to carry out their activities;
• Falcon 2000S: a smaller version of the Falcon with two engines positioned on the tail. Combining comfort and design, a very suitable tool for business travels.

 

Are you interested in chartering a Falcon private jet? Contact us and book one of our company’s models!