Light Jet - Legacy Production
Dassault Falcon 10: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Dassault Aviation
Dassault Falcon 10: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Dassault Falcon 10, produced from 1973 to 1982, is the legendary "flying bullet" of the 1970s business aviation era. Designed by Dassault Aviation as essentially a 70% scale model of the larger Falcon 20, the Falcon 10 incorporates highly swept wings, full hydraulic flight controls, fighter-jet-quality build, and Honeywell TFE731-2-1C turbofans producing 3,230 lbf each. The Falcon 10 delivers 1,482 nautical miles of range, 452 ktas (520 mph) typical cruise (490 ktas maximum), and a 45,000 ft service ceiling typically operated with two pilots. In the early 1970s, the Falcon 10 was the fastest business aircraft. Dassault built 189 Falcon 10s before production transitioned to the Falcon 100 variant in 1983. Pre-owned market today: $400,000 to $1.2 million.
For operators wanting one of the most distinctive and high-performance vintage light jets in business aviation, the Falcon 10 remains "the Corvette of the sky."
Falcon 10 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Light Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1983 (replaced by Falcon 100) |
| First Flight | December 1, 1970 (at Bordeaux-Mérignac) |
| FAA Type Certification | September 1973 |
| First Customer Delivery | 1973 (to Pan Am Business Jets Division) |
| Production Years | 1973 to 1982 |
| Total Units Built | 189 |
| Original Concept | Mini-Falcon (70% scale Falcon 20) |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 5 to 6 in executive arrangement |
| Passengers (Max) | 7 |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR, seats full) | 1,482 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 452 ktas typical (490 ktas maximum, 520 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 410 ktas |
| Max Operating Altitude | 45,000 ft |
| Engines | 2× Honeywell (Garrett) TFE731-2-1C |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,230 lbf (6,460 lbf total) |
| Engine Core Inspection Interval | 4,200 hours |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 18,740 lbs |
| Payload With Maximum Fuel | 1,243 lbs |
| Cabin Length | 12 ft 8 in (12.9 ft) |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 in) |
| Cabin Height | 4.92 ft (59 in) |
| Cabin Volume | 224 cubic ft |
| Cabin Pressurization | 8.8 psi |
| Total Baggage Volume | 41 cu ft (13 internal + 28 external) |
| Balanced Field Length | 4,338 to 4,450 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,577 ft |
| Original Price (1973) | $4,100,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $400,000 to $1,200,000 |
| Average Pre-Owned Price | $740,000 |
History as the Mini-Falcon
The Falcon 10 originated in the late 1960s when Pan American Airways (Pan Am) and the French Air Force expressed interest in a smaller, less expensive liaison aircraft with Falcon 20-class performance. Dassault's design evolved through multiple concepts before settling on what became the Falcon 10.
Development timeline:
- Late 1960s: Pan Am and French Air Force express interest
- May 5, 1969: Benno Claude Vallières directs General Technical Department to design a Mini-Falcon
- December 1, 1970: First flight at Bordeaux-Mérignac (originally with GE CJ610 turbojets)
- Early 1970s: GE CJ610 turbojets replaced with Garrett TFE731-2 turbofans (at Pan Am's request)
- September 1973: FAA certification (with TFE731 turbofans)
- 1973: First customer delivery to Pan Am Business Jets Division
- 1973 to 1982: Production of 189 Falcon 10s
- 1983: Production transitions to Falcon 100 variant
The aircraft is officially designated "Mystère-Falcon 10" in some Dassault literature, reflecting Dassault's broader Mystère family naming convention.
What Made the Falcon 10 Special
The Falcon 10 was not merely a small business jet; it was a high-performance aircraft designed with airliner and fighter-jet engineering principles:
- Highly swept wings: Mach 0.87 dive limit, exceptional speed at altitude
- Full hydraulic flight controls: Airliner-class control system
- Big fanjet engines: TFE731 was newly introduced and game-changing
- Sophisticated computers for the era: Advanced avionics for 1970s
- Fighter-jet build quality: Robust construction (Dassault's military aviation heritage)
- 70% scale Falcon 20: Heritage of larger proven aircraft
The Falcon 10 outpaced contemporary Learjets and Beechjets at altitude and earned the nickname "Corvette of the sky" for its combination of speed, distinctive style, and uncompromising engineering.
Exterior Dimensions and Airframe
The Falcon 10 incorporates many advanced features for its era:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wing Sweep | High (Mach 0.87 dive limit) |
| Flight Controls | Full hydraulic |
| Construction | Heavy gauge aluminum, fighter-jet build quality |
| Fuselage Cross-Section | Round |
| Tail | T-tail empennage |
| Engine Mounting | Rear fuselage pods |
Cabin Interior
The Falcon 10 cabin is small by modern standards but well-proportioned for the 5-6 passenger executive mission:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 12 ft 8 in (12.9 ft) |
| Cabin Width | 4.83 ft (58 inches) |
| Cabin Height | 4.92 ft (59 inches) |
| Cabin Volume | 224 cubic ft |
| Cabin Pressurization | 8.8 psi (sea level to 23,000 ft) |
Seating Configurations
- Standard Executive (5-6 passengers): Four individual seats plus rear bench
- Maximum 7 passengers: Various configurations
- 6 cabin windows: Generous natural light for the era
Cabin Features
- Lavatory: Standard
- 12 cu ft internal baggage: Plus 28 cu ft external rear baggage
- Airliner-quality finishes: Premium for the era
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 452 ktas typical (490 ktas maximum, 520 mph) |
| Long-Range Cruise | 410 ktas |
| Range (NBAA IFR, seats full) | 1,482 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 ft |
| Mach Dive Limit | 0.87 (one of the highest in light jet class for its era) |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 4,338 to 4,450 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,577 ft |
The Falcon 10 was the fastest business aircraft of the early 1970s.
Engines
Two Honeywell (originally Garrett) TFE731-2-1C turbofan engines, each producing 3,230 lbf of thrust (6,460 lbf total).
The TFE731 engine family, newly introduced when the Falcon 10 launched, became one of the most successful business jet engines ever built. The TFE731-2 variant is now part of Honeywell's engine line.
Engine core inspection interval: 4,200 hours.
Avionics
Original Falcon 10s shipped with analog instrumentation typical of 1970s business jets. Over the 50+ year operating life, most have been upgraded with:
- Modern GPS navigation (Garmin GNS 530/430)
- WAAS/LPV navigation upgrades
- ADS-B Out compliance
- Updated weather radar
- Modern flight management systems
The Falcon 100 variant (1983-1989) introduced the first certified business aircraft EFIS with color displays, an option not available on the original Falcon 10.
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~195 gph) | $1,365 to $1,755 |
| Engine Reserve | $400 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $500 |
| Misc Variable | $250 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$2,515 to $2,905/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.25 million all-in. Hourly direct operating costs are among the highest in class due to the aircraft's age and limited parts availability.
Charter rates: $3,500 to $4,500 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1979 to 1982 Falcon 10 (final production) | $850,000 to $1,200,000 |
| 1976 to 1978 Falcon 10 | $600,000 to $900,000 |
| 1973 to 1975 Falcon 10 (early production) | $400,000 to $700,000 |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Speed-Focused Operators: 452+ ktas cruise in vintage twin-jet class
- Aviation Enthusiasts: Distinctive Dassault engineering and style
- Lower-Acquisition-Cost Twin-Jet Buyers: $400K-$1.2M entry
- Experienced Operators: Comfortable with vintage aircraft maintenance
Less suited if:
- You need long-range missions (1,482 nm modest by modern standards)
- You require single-pilot certification (consider CJ family)
- You want low operating costs (Falcon 10 is among highest in class)
- You need modern integrated avionics out of the box
Pros and Cons
What the Falcon 10 Does Well
- 452+ ktas cruise (fastest light jet of its era)
- Distinctive Dassault engineering and style
- Full hydraulic flight controls
- Honeywell TFE731 engine family (proven over 50+ years)
- Fighter-jet build quality
- 45,000 ft service ceiling
- 8.8 psi pressurization (excellent for the era)
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Cramped 224 cu ft cabin (smallest in class)
- Highest operating costs in class
- 1,482 nm range modest for modern missions
- Production ended 1982 (parts supply challenges)
- Avionics dated (most retrofitted)
- Two-pilot operation required
- 4,338 ft balanced field length
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Falcon 10 still in production?
No. Falcon 10 production ended in 1982. Dassault Aviation continues to provide some service support, though parts availability for original components can be challenging for older airframes.
How far can a Dassault Falcon 10 fly?
The Falcon 10 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 1,482 nautical miles with seats-full payload.
How fast is the Falcon 10?
The Falcon 10 has a typical cruise of 452 ktas (520 mph) and maximum cruise of 490 ktas. In the early 1970s, it was the fastest business aircraft on the market.
What is the difference between Falcon 10 and Falcon 100?
The Falcon 100 (1983-1989) is a refined Falcon 10 with higher gross weight, a fourth cabin window (added on starboard side), modern EFIS glass cockpit (first certified business aircraft with EFIS), and externally-accessible rear baggage compartment. The 100 was named differently to distinguish it from the original 10.
How many Falcon 10s were built?
Dassault built 189 Falcon 10s between 1973 and 1982. Combined with 37 Falcon 100s, total platform production reached 226 units.
Is the Falcon 10 single-pilot certified?
No. The Falcon 10 requires two pilots.
Why is the Falcon 10 called the "Corvette of the sky"?
The nickname reflects the Falcon 10's combination of high speed (fastest business jet of its era), distinctive styling, premium engineering, and uncompromising performance focus, similar to the Chevrolet Corvette's positioning in automobiles.
Was the Falcon 10 always equipped with turbofan engines?
No. The Falcon 10 first flew on December 1, 1970, equipped with General Electric CJ610 turbojet engines. However, launch customer Pan American Airways Business Jets Division required turbofan engines, leading Dassault to replace the GE turbojets with Garrett TFE731-2 turbofans on the second prototype. The TFE731-powered configuration won FAA certification in 1973.
The Bottom Line
The Dassault Falcon 10 is one of the most distinctive and high-performance vintage light jets in business aviation history. At current pre-owned pricing of $400K to $1.2 million, the Falcon 10 offers entry into Dassault Falcon ownership at a fraction of any current Falcon's acquisition cost. The tradeoffs are significant: cramped cabin, high operating costs, dated avionics, and parts supply challenges. But for speed-focused operators and aviation enthusiasts who value distinctive engineering, the Falcon 10 remains the original "Corvette of the sky."
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for Falcon 10 market intelligence, pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs, modifications, and parts supply considerations.
[CTA Button: Talk to a Quantum Jets Broker]
Book a Dassault Falcon 10 on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Dassault Falcon 10 and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Dassault Falcon 10 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Dassault Falcon 10 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Dassault Falcon 10 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Dassault Falcon 10 to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Dassault Falcon 10 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Dassault Falcon 10 operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Dassault Falcon 10 for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Dassault Falcon 10 for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Dassault Falcon 10-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Dassault Falcon 10 flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Dassault Falcon 10 retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Dassault Falcon 10-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Dassault Falcon 10 fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Dassault Falcon 10 for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Dassault Falcon 100: Direct Successor with EFIS Glass Cockpit
- Dassault Falcon 20: Larger Sibling Platform
- Learjet 35A: Direct Competitor of the Era
- Citation II: Direct Competitor of the Era
Production of the Dassault Falcon 10 ended in 1982. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Specifications accurate as of 2026.