Super Midsize Jet - Legacy Production
Dassault Falcon 50: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Dassault Aviation
Dassault Falcon 50: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Dassault Falcon 50, produced from 1979 to 2008 (with 50EX continuing through 2008), is one of business aviation's most historically significant aircraft: the first transatlantic-range, super-midsize/large-cabin business jet with the distinctive trijet (three-engine) configuration that became Dassault's hallmark. The Falcon 50 introduced the three-engine layout to address customer demand for transatlantic capability while maintaining engine-out safety margins beyond what twin-engine designs of the era could provide. Powered by three Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines, the Falcon 50 delivers approximately 3,000-3,500 nautical miles of range (Falcon 50EX extends to 3,470 nm), Mach 0.83 maximum cruise speed, and a 49,000 ft service ceiling typically. The aircraft is operated by two pilots with seating for 9 passengers in a 6 ft cabin height. The Falcon 50 family includes the Falcon 50 (original, 1979-1996), Falcon 50EX (1996-2008, with TFE731-40 engines and improved avionics), Falcon 50 Surmar (French Naval surveillance variant), and various military variants (HU-25 derivative roles). Total production: 352 aircraft built. Pre-owned market today: $700K to $5.5M depending on age, variant, and condition.
For operators wanting Dassault Falcon family heritage with trijet safety, transatlantic range capability, and proven engineering at substantially attainable pre-owned pricing, the Falcon 50 represents one of business aviation's most distinctive legacy platforms.
Falcon 50 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Super Midsize Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2008 (Falcon 50EX final variant) |
| Designations | Falcon 50, Falcon 50EX, Falcon 50 Surmar |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Aviation |
| First Flight | November 7, 1976 |
| Service Entry | 1979 |
| Production Years | 1979 to 2008 |
| Total Units Built | 352 (combined all variants) |
| Predecessor | Dassault Falcon 20 family |
| Successor | Dassault Falcon 900 (1986+) and Falcon 2000 (1995+) |
| Distinctive Feature | Trijet (3 engines) - first transatlantic Falcon |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 9 |
| Passengers (Max) | 12 |
| Engines | 3× Honeywell TFE731-3 (Falcon 50) or TFE731-40 (50EX) |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,700 lbf (TFE731-3) to 3,800 lbf (TFE731-40) |
| Total Thrust | 11,100-11,400 lbf |
| Max Range (Falcon 50) | 3,000-3,300 nm |
| Max Range (Falcon 50EX) | 3,470 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.83 |
| Service Ceiling | 49,000 ft |
| Cabin Length | 23 ft 7 in |
| Cabin Width | 6 ft 1 in (73 in) |
| Cabin Height | 5 ft 9 in (69 in - stand-up) |
| Cabin Volume | 700 cu ft |
| Total Baggage Volume | 115 cu ft |
| Wingspan | 61 ft 11 in |
| Length | 60 ft 9 in |
| Avionics (50) | Honeywell SPZ-8000 (analog era) |
| Avionics (50EX) | Honeywell Primus EFIS (modernized) |
| Original New Price (50EX, 1996) | $18,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Falcon 50 (Original) | $700,000 to $2,500,000 |
| Pre-Owned Falcon 50EX | $2,500,000 to $5,500,000 |
History as the First Transatlantic-Range Business Jet
The Falcon 50 holds historical distinction as the first business jet to credibly offer transatlantic range capability, achieved through Dassault's distinctive trijet configuration.
Platform timeline:
- 1973: Dassault begins Falcon 50 development
- November 7, 1976: First flight
- 1979: Service entry as Falcon 50 (original variant)
- 1979-1996: Falcon 50 production (243 aircraft)
- 1996: Falcon 50EX introduced (TFE731-40 engines)
- 1996-2008: Falcon 50EX production (109 aircraft)
- 2008: Production ends (352 total built)
- 1995: Falcon 2000 introduced (smaller, twin-engine sibling)
- Today: Substantial fleet still operating
The Falcon 50 was eventually succeeded by the Falcon 900 (1986+, also trijet, larger) and Falcon 2000 (1995+, twinjet variant).
Why the Trijet Configuration
The Falcon 50's three-engine configuration was strategic:
1. Transatlantic Range Capability
- First Falcon with transatlantic range: Industry milestone
- 3,000-3,500 nm range: Substantial for era
- NY-Paris non-stop possible: With favorable winds
- Required additional fuel and reliability: Trijet enabled
2. Engine-Out Safety Margins
- One engine failure: Not critical with 3 engines
- ETOPS-like reliability: Without certification requirements
- Transatlantic confidence: Major operator benefit
- Maintained at industry leading levels: Per Dassault
3. Fighter Jet Engineering Heritage
- Dassault military aviation heritage: Robust airframe
- Unlimited-life airframe design: Indefinite operational duration
- High aerodynamic efficiency: Per fighter origins
4. Dassault Brand Distinction
- Trijet became Falcon signature: Industry identification
- Premium positioning: Brand differentiation
- Continued in Falcon 900, 7X, 8X: Family heritage
Falcon 50 Family Variants
The Falcon 50 family includes several variants:
| Variant | Years | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Falcon 50 | 1979-1996 | Original, TFE731-3 engines (3,700 lbf), SPZ-8000 |
| Falcon 50EX | 1996-2008 | TFE731-40 engines (3,800 lbf), Honeywell Primus EFIS |
| Falcon 50 Surmar | Various | French Naval surveillance variant (replaces Falcon 20F Gardian) |
The Falcon 50EX is the most-refined civil variant, with modernized engines and avionics.
Cabin Interior
The Falcon 50 cabin features Dassault's signature design:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 23 ft 7 in |
| Cabin Width | 6 ft 1 in (73 in) |
| Cabin Height | 5 ft 9 in (69 in - stand-up) |
| Cabin Volume | 700 cu ft |
| Total Baggage | 115 cu ft |
Standard 9-Passenger Configuration
- Forward Galley: Standard
- Two Club-Four Forward: Standard
- Three-Place Divan Opposite Single Forward-Facing: Aft
- Enclosed Aft Lavatory: Standard
- Optional Configurations: Various customer-specific
Cabin Features
- 5'9" stand-up cabin: Falcon family heritage
- 6'1" cabin width: Comfortable for class
- 115 cu ft baggage: Substantial capacity
- Engines mounted at rear fuselage + tail-mounted center: Quieter cabin
- Smaller windows than newer Falcons: Era-appropriate
- Modern interiors common via refurbishment: Many aircraft updated
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.83 |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.75 |
| Range (Falcon 50) | 3,000-3,300 nm |
| Range (Falcon 50EX) | 3,470 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 49,000 ft |
Runway Performance
- Sea-level takeoff distance: ~5,000 ft (loaded)
- Steep approach capable: Standard (London City)
- Short-field capability: Excellent
- Fighter jet heritage: Robust performance margins
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Paris (3,160 nm) - non-stop standard (Falcon 50EX)
- London to New York (3,000 nm) - achievable
- Los Angeles to Hawaii (2,556 nm) - comfortable
- New York to Mexico City (~2,000 nm) - comfortable
- Transcontinental U.S.: Workhorse capability
Engines
Three Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines:
- Falcon 50 (Original): 3× TFE731-3 (3,700 lbf each = 11,100 lbf total)
- Falcon 50EX: 3× TFE731-40 (3,800 lbf each = 11,400 lbf total)
Key features:
- TFE731 family ubiquity: Parts plentiful, worldwide support
- Established proven family: Most common business jet engine family
- 4,200-hour TBO typical: Standard maintenance intervals
- Engine maintenance accessibility: Most shops know it
- Stage 3 noise compliant: Modern compliance
Avionics
Falcon 50 (Original)
- Honeywell SPZ-8000: Original analog-era integrated avionics
- Common modern retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV, GPS upgrades
- Updated for ongoing operations: Required for continued utility
Falcon 50EX (Modernized)
- Honeywell Primus EFIS: Modernized glass cockpit
- Updated integrated avionics: Modern (for 1996 era)
- Common retrofits: Current airspace compliance packages
Operating Costs
| Cost Item | Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Fuel (~260 gph for 3 engines) | $1,800 to $2,200 |
| Engine Reserve (3 engines) | $750 |
| Airframe Maintenance | $800 |
| Misc Variable | $400 |
| Total Variable Cost | ~$3,750 to $4,150/hr |
Annual operating budget at 450 hours: approximately $3.2 million all-in.
Note: Three-engine configuration increases maintenance costs vs twin-engine alternatives.
Pricing
| Variant / Year Range | Pre-Owned Price |
|---|---|
| 2003 to 2008 Falcon 50EX (Final Production) | $3,500,000 to $5,500,000 |
| 1996 to 2002 Falcon 50EX | $2,500,000 to $4,000,000 |
| 1989 to 1996 Falcon 50 | $1,500,000 to $2,500,000 |
| 1979 to 1988 Falcon 50 | $700,000 to $1,500,000 |
Original new price (Falcon 50EX, 1996): $18,000,000.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Transatlantic Operators: 3,000-3,470 nm range capability
- Dassault Family Operators: Falcon heritage and brand
- Operators Valuing Trijet Safety: Engine-out reliability
- Steep Approach Operators: London City, Aspen capable
- Step-Up From Twin-Engine Midsize: More range, more redundancy
Less suited if:
- You need lowest operating costs (3 engines = higher maintenance)
- You require single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You want modern Pro Line Fusion (consider Falcon 900LX or 7X/8X)
- You need 4,000+ nm range (consider Falcon 7X/8X)
- You require modern integrated avionics out of box (typically retrofitted)
Pros and Cons
What the Falcon 50 Does Well
- 3,000-3,470 nm range (Falcon 50EX)
- Mach 0.83 cruise
- 49,000 ft service ceiling
- Trijet safety configuration (industry-distinctive)
- 23'7" cabin length
- 5'9" stand-up cabin
- 6'1" cabin width
- 115 cu ft baggage
- Steep approach capable
- First transatlantic-range business jet
- Dassault Falcon heritage
- TFE731 family ubiquity (parts/service)
- Fighter jet tolerance airframe
- 352-aircraft fleet support
- Substantial worldwide operator network
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Three engines = higher maintenance costs vs twin
- Production ended 2008 (17+ year old airframes)
- Two-pilot operation required
- Honeywell SPZ-8000 (original) dated, typically retrofitted
- Smaller windows vs newer Falcons
- Avionics typically require modernization
- Higher operating costs than twin-engine alternatives in class
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Falcon 50 have three engines?
Dassault chose the trijet configuration for the Falcon 50 (and subsequent Falcon 900, 7X, 8X) to provide transatlantic range capability with substantial engine-out safety margins. In the 1970s when the Falcon 50 was designed, twin-engine reliability and certification (ETOPS) standards didn't yet support comfortable transatlantic operations, making three engines the preferred safety configuration for long-range business jets. The trijet became Dassault's distinctive Falcon brand signature.
How is the Falcon 50 different from the Falcon 50EX?
The Falcon 50EX (1996) is the upgraded successor to the original Falcon 50 (1979-1996). Key improvements: more powerful Honeywell TFE731-40 engines (3,800 lbf vs original 3,700 lbf TFE731-3), modernized Honeywell Primus EFIS avionics (replacing SPZ-8000), extended range (3,470 nm vs ~3,300 nm), and various interior refinements. The 50EX is the most refined civil variant of the Falcon 50 family.
How is the Falcon 50 different from the Falcon 900?
The Falcon 900 (1986+) is the larger trijet successor designed for greater range and cabin space. The 900 has more powerful engines, longer range (4,500+ nm on current variants), wider cabin, and is currently in production as the Falcon 900LX. Both share trijet heritage but the 900 is substantially larger and more capable for ultra-long-range operations.
How many Falcon 50s were built?
A total of 352 Falcon 50 family aircraft were built during the 1979 to 2008 production run, including original Falcon 50, Falcon 50EX, and Falcon 50 Surmar variants.
How far can a Falcon 50EX fly?
The Falcon 50EX has a maximum range of 3,470 nautical miles, enabling non-stop New York to Paris and other transatlantic missions.
Is the Falcon 50 single-pilot certified?
No. The Falcon 50 requires two pilots.
What engines power the Falcon 50?
Three Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines. Original Falcon 50 uses TFE731-3 engines (3,700 lbf each); Falcon 50EX uses upgraded TFE731-40 engines (3,800 lbf each). Same engine family used across most Honeywell TFE731-powered Falcon and Hawker family aircraft.
What is the Falcon 50 Surmar?
The Falcon 50 Surmar is the French Naval Aviation maritime surveillance variant of the Falcon 50, used for maritime patrol, search-and-rescue, and surveillance missions. It replaces the earlier Falcon 20F Gardian variants. The military variant is built on the same airframe as the civilian Falcon 50.
The Bottom Line
The Dassault Falcon 50 is one of business aviation's most historically significant aircraft: the first transatlantic-range business jet with Dassault's distinctive trijet configuration that became the Falcon brand signature for decades. With 3,000-3,470 nm range capability, Mach 0.83 cruise, 49,000 ft service ceiling, and 5'9" stand-up cabin, the Falcon 50 delivered industry-leading capability for its 1979-2008 production era (352 aircraft built across Falcon 50, 50EX, and Surmar variants). The trijet configuration provided engine-out safety margins that twin-engine designs of the era couldn't match, enabling confident transatlantic operations. At current pre-owned pricing of $700K to $5.5M (with the more refined Falcon 50EX commanding $2.5M-$5.5M), the platform offers exceptional Falcon heritage value for operators wanting trijet safety, transatlantic capability, and Dassault military-derived robustness.
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 50/50EX market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs, avionics retrofits, and total ownership economics.
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Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Dassault Falcon 50 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 50 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Dassault Falcon 50 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 50 for the mission.
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Fractional jet programs are available for Dassault Falcon 50-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 50 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 50 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 50EX: Modernized Variant (TFE731-40 Engines, Primus EFIS)
- Dassault Falcon 900: Larger Trijet Successor (4,500+ nm, Stand-Up Cabin)
- Dassault Falcon 2000: Modern Twin-Engine Successor in Mid-Range Category
- Dassault Falcon 7X/8X: Ultra-Long-Range Trijet Successors (5,950-6,450 nm)
Production of the Dassault Falcon 50 ended in 2008. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Dassault Aviation provides parts/support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.