Midsize Jet - Vintage Production
Dassault Falcon 200: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Dassault Aviation
Dassault Falcon 200: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Dassault Falcon 200, produced from 1983 to 1988, is the performance-enhanced successor to the iconic Falcon 20, representing Dassault's attempt to dramatically improve range, comfort, and performance over the proven Falcon 20 platform. The Falcon 200 shared the Falcon 20's fighter-jet-tolerance fuselage but added a redesigned, more comfortable cabin, more powerful and efficient Garrett ATF3-6A engines (later Honeywell ATF3-6A), a tweaked wing, and first-generation glass cockpit avionics. The ATF3 engines produced 5,200 pounds of thrust each (a 1,100-pounds-per-side improvement over the Falcon 20's GE CF700 engines), enabling stunning performance improvements: faster climb (6,000 feet per minute), faster cruise, longer range, shorter runway capability, and substantially lower fuel burn. The Falcon 200 delivers 2,050 nautical miles of maximum range, 460 ktas cruise speed, and a 42,000 ft service ceiling. The cabin accommodates 8 to 9 passengers in a 5 ft 8 in stand-up configuration. Only 35 Falcon 200s were built before Dassault discontinued the program in 1988, allegedly because the Falcon 200 was so good it threatened sales of the more expensive Falcon 50. Original new price: $7.5 million. Pre-owned market today: $600K to $1.6 million.
For aviation enthusiasts seeking a rare French-engineered midsize jet with exceptional Falcon family heritage and remarkable performance margins, the Falcon 200 represents a unique collector's opportunity.
Falcon 200 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Midsize Jet - Vintage Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 1988 |
| Designation | Dassault Falcon 200 |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Aviation |
| Service Entry | 1983 |
| Production Years | 1983 to 1988 (some sources 1991 final) |
| Total Units Built | 35 (33 civilian per industry experts) |
| Predecessor | Falcon 20 (1965-1988) |
| Successor | Falcon 50 (trijet, 1979-2008) |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 8 |
| Passengers (Max) | 9 to 10 |
| Engines | 2× Garrett (now Honeywell) ATF3-6A-4C turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 5,200 lbf (10,400 lbf total) |
| Thrust Upgrade Over Falcon 20 | +1,100 lbf per engine (+27%) |
| Fuel Burn | 244 gph (modern versions) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,050 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,999 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | 460 ktas |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 440 ktas (507 mph) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 42,000 ft |
| Climb Rate | 6,000 ft/min |
| Cabin Length | 24 ft 5 in |
| Cabin Width | 6 ft 1 in (73 in) |
| Cabin Height | 5 ft 8 in (68 in - stand-up) |
| Total Baggage Volume | 41 cu ft (externally loaded) |
| Balanced Field Length | 5,265 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,864 ft |
| Original New Price (Production Era) | $7,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned Price (2025) | $600,000 to $1,600,000 |
| Average Operating Cost | High variable costs offset by low acquisition |
History as the "Too Good to Sell" Falcon
The Falcon 200 has a fascinating history with industry-recognized circumstances. Per Business Jet Traveler industry analysis: "A manufacturer builds an airplane that's so good it threatens sales of its own follow-on and more expensive models. So the company kills it."
Dassault Aviation allegedly:
- Discontinued the Falcon 200 in 1988 (after just 5 years of production)
- Reportedly tried to buy back the 33 Falcon 200s in civil hands
- Considered sending them to smelter or re-engining them
- Built only 35 total Falcon 200s
The supposed reason: The Falcon 200's performance was so close to the more expensive Falcon 50 trijet that it threatened sales of the higher-margin Falcon 50.
Platform timeline:
- 1965: Falcon 20 first flight
- 1973: Dassault begins Falcon 50 trijet development
- 1979: Falcon 50 service entry
- Early 1980s: Falcon 200 development
- 1983: Falcon 200 first deliveries
- 1983-1988: Production run (35 total)
- 1988: Production discontinued
- Today: 33 civilian Falcon 200s in service
Key Improvements Over Falcon 20
The Falcon 200 introduced substantial improvements over the Falcon 20:
1. Garrett ATF3-6A Engines (vs GE CF700 on Falcon 20)
The defining 200 improvement:
- 5,200 lbf per engine: vs Falcon 20's CF700 at 4,100 lbf (+27%)
- Much more efficient: Substantially better fuel economy
- 244 gph fuel burn: Per Honeywell ATF3-6A
- Falcon 20 needed fuel stops: Falcon 200 had real range capability
- Newark to Chicago non-stop possible: With headwind (Falcon 20 needed Ohio stop)
2. Stunning Performance Improvements
Per pilot reports:
- 6,000 ft/min climb: Stunning capability
- Faster cruise: 460 vs 440 ktas
- Longer range: 2,050 vs ~1,500 nm
- Shorter runways: 5,265 ft balanced field
- Better handling: Refined aerodynamics
- Increased gross weight: Higher useful load
- Much less fuel burn: 244 gph vs Falcon 20's higher consumption
3. Redesigned, More Comfortable Cabin
- Better than Falcon 20 cabin: Industry consensus
- Bigger galley: Standard improvement
- Aft lavatory: Standard
- Externally loaded baggage compartment: vs Falcon 20's internal-only
- 8-9 passenger comfortable: Versus Falcon 20
4. First-Generation Glass Cockpit
- Modern avionics for 1983 era: State of the art
- Original Dassault analog avionics: Promised "best of analog"
- Common modern retrofits: Collins VHF 20 com, VIR 30 nav, Collins AP 105 autopilot, Sperry Primus 400 weather radar
- Many aircraft upgraded: To dual systems
Cabin Interior
The Falcon 200 cabin features the largest midsize cabin of its era:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 24 ft 5 in |
| Cabin Width | 6 ft 1 in |
| Cabin Height | 5 ft 8 in (stand-up) |
| Total Baggage Volume | 41 cu ft (externally loaded) |
Standard 8-Passenger Configuration
- Forward Club-Four Executive Seat Grouping: Standard
- Half-Club Opposite 3-Place Side-Facing Divan: Aft cabin
- Externally Loaded Baggage: Key advantage over Falcon 20
- Bigger Galley: vs Falcon 20
- Aft Lavatory: Standard
Alternative Configurations
- Double-Club: Available
- Standard Club: Available
- Divan-Equipped: Available
- Individual Seats: Customer specific
Cabin Features
- Largest cabin of any midsize for its era: Industry distinction
- 5'8" stand-up: Full upright
- Refurbishment common: ~$75K for interior refresh
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 460 ktas |
| Normal Cruise Speed | 440 ktas (507 mph) |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 2,050 nm |
| Range (Seats Full) | 1,999 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 42,000 ft |
| Climb Rate | 6,000 ft/min |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Balanced Field Length | 5,265 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,864 ft |
Engines
Two Garrett (now Honeywell) ATF3-6A-4C turbofan engines, each producing 5,200 lbf of thrust (10,400 lbf total). The ATF3 is a unique engine family with distinctive design characteristics:
- Excellent fuel efficiency: 244 gph total
- Less common engine family: Parts/service less established than TFE731
- High thrust output: Strong performance margin
- Designed for noise reduction: Modern characteristics
Avionics
Modern Falcon 200s typically have retrofitted avionics packages:
- Dual Collins VHF 20 Communications: Modern
- Dual Collins VIR 30 Navigation: Standard
- Dual DME and Dual Transponders: Standard
- Collins AP 105 Autopilot: Modern
- Sperry Primus 400 Color Weather Radar: Standard
- Common retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV, Garmin GPS upgrades
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (244 gph @ $6/gal) | $1,464 |
| Engine Reserve | $700 (ATF3 less common parts) |
| Airframe Maintenance | $800 |
| Misc Variable | $400 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$3,364/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $2.9 million all-in.
Charter rates: $4,400 per hour.
Pricing
| Year Range | Pre-Owned Price |
|---|---|
| 1987 Falcon 200 (final production) | $1,400,000 to $1,600,000 |
| 1985 to 1986 Falcon 200 | $800,000 to $1,400,000 |
| 1983 to 1984 Falcon 200 (early production) | $600,000 to $1,000,000 |
Average pre-owned: $600,000 (per some sources, condition-dependent).
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Falcon Family Enthusiasts: Rare French-engineered midsize
- Aviation Collectors: Only 35 ever built (rarity)
- Operators With Falcon Heritage: Maintenance familiarity
- High-Performance Operators: 6,000 ft/min climb, exceptional handling
- Step-Up From Falcon 20: Significantly improved capabilities
Less suited if:
- You need ubiquitous engine parts (ATF3 less common than TFE731)
- You require single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You want modern factory product support
- You need transcontinental U.S. east-west range (2,050 nm marginal)
- You want widely available service network
Pros and Cons
What the Falcon 200 Does Well
- 2,050 nm range
- 460 ktas cruise
- 6,000 ft/min climb rate (stunning)
- 5,200 lbf per engine ATF3-6A turbofans
- 244 gph fuel burn (efficient)
- Fighter-jet tolerance airframe heritage
- Largest cabin in midsize for its era
- Externally loaded baggage compartment
- 33 civilian aircraft in operation (small fleet)
- Pilot-acclaimed handling characteristics
- Performance comparable to Falcon 50
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Only 35 built (very small fleet)
- ATF3 engine parts less common than TFE731
- Limited specialty service network
- Production ended 1988 (35+ year old airframes)
- Two-pilot operation required
- Avionics typically retrofitted
- Charter rate considerations high vs newer aircraft
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Falcon 200 discontinued?
Per industry experts, Dassault allegedly discontinued the Falcon 200 in 1988 because it was so good that it threatened sales of the more expensive Falcon 50 trijet. Reports suggest Dassault even tried to buy back civilian Falcon 200s and either scrap them or convert them. Only 35 were built total.
How is the Falcon 200 different from the Falcon 20?
The Falcon 200 (1983) introduced significantly more powerful Garrett ATF3-6A engines (5,200 lbf vs Falcon 20's GE CF700 at 4,100 lbf), redesigned more comfortable cabin, externally loaded baggage compartment, first-generation glass cockpit avionics, and dramatically improved performance (climb 6,000 ft/min, cruise 460 ktas, range 2,050 nm vs Falcon 20's much shorter capabilities). The 200 shares the Falcon 20's fuselage but is otherwise substantially superior.
How is the Falcon 200 different from the Falcon 50?
The Falcon 50 (1979) is the trijet super-midsize successor with three Honeywell TFE731 engines, longer range (3,000+ nm), and substantially higher performance margins. The Falcon 200 is the twinjet midsize that nearly matched Falcon 50 capabilities at significantly lower cost. Per industry, Dassault allegedly killed the Falcon 200 to protect Falcon 50 sales.
How many Falcon 200s were built?
Only 35 Falcon 200 aircraft were built during the 1983 to 1988 production run, with 33 civilian aircraft per industry experts (and additional military-use units).
How far can a Falcon 200 fly?
The Falcon 200 has a maximum NBAA IFR range of 2,050 nautical miles, with seats-full range of 1,999 nm.
Is the Falcon 200 single-pilot certified?
No. The Falcon 200 requires two pilots.
What engines power the Falcon 200?
Two Garrett (now Honeywell) ATF3-6A-4C turbofan engines, each producing 5,200 lbf of thrust. The ATF3 engine family is less common than the TFE731, which can affect parts availability and service network options.
What is the Falcon 20F-5?
The Falcon 20F-5 is a Falcon 20 variant that has been retrofitted with Honeywell TFE731-5 engines (replacing the original GE CF700s). Performance numbers between a retrofitted Falcon 20F-5 and a Falcon 200 are virtually identical. Over 100 Falcon 20s have been converted to this configuration.
The Bottom Line
The Dassault Falcon 200 is a fascinating chapter in business aviation history: a high-performance midsize jet with stunning capabilities (6,000 ft/min climb, 460 ktas cruise, 2,050 nm range) that was allegedly killed because it was too good. With only 35 built before Dassault discontinued the program in 1988 to protect Falcon 50 sales, the Falcon 200 is an extreme rarity with a small but committed operator base. At current pre-owned pricing of $600K to $1.6 million, the platform offers exceptional Falcon family performance at extraordinary value. The tradeoffs are real: less common ATF3 engines (vs ubiquitous TFE731 family), small fleet support, and 35+ year old airframes. But for Falcon enthusiasts and collectors, the Falcon 200 represents one of aviation's most distinctive heritage aircraft.
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 200 market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with substantial attention to engine programs and parts availability.
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Dassault Falcon 200 Services from Quantum Jets
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Related Aircraft Guides:
- Dassault Falcon 20: Predecessor Platform (CF700 Engines)
- Dassault Falcon 20F-5: Modern Falcon 20 With TFE731 Retrofit
- Dassault Falcon 50: Trijet Super-Midsize Sibling
- Dassault Falcon 2000: Modern Successor in Midsize Class
Production of the Falcon 200 ended in 1988. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Dassault Aviation provides limited parts/support; specialty providers serve the platform. Specifications accurate as of 2026.