Falcon 20

The Dassault Falcon 20, introduced in 1963, was the first business jet produced by France’s Dassault Aviation and quickly became an emblem of European aerospace innovation. Developed from the earlier Mystère and Mirage fighter lines, the Falcon 20 incorporated a low‑wing, all‑metal design and twin Snecma (later CFE) turbofan engines, the Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 (in early U.S. versions) or the French-built SFS 50. Its spacious cabin, capable of seating up to ten passengers, featured a flat floor and a distinctive stand‑up cockpit with dual analog gauges, offering both comfort and excellent visibility. The aircraft’s robust structure allowed operation from short, unpaved runways, a feature that proved valuable for corporate, governmental, and later, specialized missions such as maritime patrol and electronic intelligence. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Falcon 20 set numerous speed and range records for its class, establishing a reputation for reliability and low operational costs. Over 400 units were built, and many remain in service today as modified platforms for research, firefighting, and surveillance, underscoring the Falcon 20’s lasting impact on business aviation and its role as a versatile workhorse in the global fleet.

Dassault Aviation

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