Super Midsize Jet - Legacy Production
Dassault Falcon 50EX: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Dassault Aviation
Dassault Falcon 50EX: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Dassault Falcon 50EX, produced from 1996 to 2008, is the modernized "Extended" variant of the historic Falcon 50 family and the most-refined civil variant of one of business aviation's most distinctive trijet platforms. The Falcon 50EX retained the proven trijet configuration that made the Falcon 50 the first transatlantic-range business jet (1979), but introduced substantial improvements: more powerful Honeywell TFE731-40 turbofan engines (3,800 lbf vs original Falcon 50's 3,700 lbf TFE731-3), modernized Honeywell Primus EFIS avionics replacing the analog-era Honeywell SPZ-8000, extended range capability, and various interior refinements. Powered by three TFE731-40 engines producing 3,800 lbf each (11,400 lbf total), the Falcon 50EX delivers 3,470 nautical miles of range, Mach 0.83 maximum cruise speed (528 kts), and a 49,000 ft service ceiling. The aircraft is operated by two pilots with seating for 9 passengers in a 5 ft 9 in stand-up cabin. From 1996 to 2008, 109 Falcon 50EX aircraft were built (representing 31% of the broader Falcon 50 family's 352 total production). Original new price (1996): $18 million. Pre-owned market today: $2.5 to $5.5 million.
For operators wanting the most-refined Falcon 50 family variant with modernized engines and avionics, trijet safety, and transatlantic capability at substantially attainable pre-owned pricing, the Falcon 50EX represents the platform's commercial pinnacle.
Falcon 50EX Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Super Midsize Jet - Legacy Production |
| Production Status | Discontinued 2008 |
| Designation | Dassault Falcon 50EX |
| Manufacturer | Dassault Aviation |
| Service Entry | 1996 |
| First Flight | April 10, 1996 |
| Production Years | 1996 to 2008 |
| Total Units Built | 109 |
| Family Heritage | Falcon 50 family (352 total combined) |
| Predecessor | Falcon 50 (Original, 1979-1996) |
| Successor | Dassault Falcon 900 (larger trijet) and Falcon 2000 (twinjet) |
| Distinctive Configuration | Trijet (3 engines) |
| Crew | 2 pilots |
| Passengers (Standard) | 9 |
| Passengers (Max) | 12 |
| Engines | 3× Honeywell TFE731-40 turbofans |
| Thrust per Engine | 3,800 lbf (up from 3,700 lbf on TFE731-3) |
| Total Thrust | 11,400 lbf |
| Avionics | Honeywell Primus EFIS (modernized vs SPZ-8000) |
| Max Range (NBAA IFR) | 3,470 nm |
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.83 (528 kts) |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.75 |
| 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 |
| Steep Approach Certified | Yes (London City) |
| Original New Price (1996) | $18,000,000 |
| Pre-Owned Range (2025) | $2,500,000 to $5,500,000 |
History as the Refined Falcon 50
The Falcon 50EX was developed to extend the production life of the proven Falcon 50 platform with modernized systems while maintaining the trijet heritage that defined the Falcon family.
Platform timeline:
- 1979: Original Falcon 50 service entry
- 1979-1996: Falcon 50 production (243 aircraft)
- April 10, 1996: Falcon 50EX first flight
- 1996: Service entry
- 1996-2008: Production run (109 aircraft)
- 2008: Falcon 50EX production ends (352 total Falcon 50 family)
- 2002: Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy introduced (succeeded by larger trijets)
- 2023: Falcon 6X service entry (modern Falcon flagship)
Key Improvements Over Original Falcon 50
The Falcon 50EX introduced focused improvements over the original Falcon 50:
1. Honeywell TFE731-40 Engines (vs TFE731-3)
The defining 50EX improvement:
- 3,800 lbf per engine: vs original Falcon 50's 3,700 lbf TFE731-3 (+100 lbf each, +2.7%)
- Modern engine variant: Refined TFE731 family
- Better hot-and-high performance: Operational benefit
- Improved fuel efficiency: Modern combustion
2. Honeywell Primus EFIS Avionics
- Modernized glass cockpit: vs SPZ-8000 analog-era avionics
- Updated integrated displays: Modern for 1996 era
- Better situational awareness: Improved pilot ergonomics
- Modern flight management: Integrated FMS
3. Extended Range
- 3,470 nm range: vs original Falcon 50's ~3,300 nm
- More confident transatlantic capability: Operational benefit
- NY-Paris non-stop standard: Workhorse capability
4. Continued Trijet Heritage
The Falcon 50EX retained the distinguishing trijet configuration:
- 3 engines for safety: Engine-out redundancy
- Transatlantic confidence: Operator preference for trijet
- Falcon brand signature: Continued Dassault distinction
Cabin Interior
The Falcon 50EX cabin retains the proven Falcon 50 dimensions:
| 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 Aft: Opposite single forward-facing seat
- Enclosed Aft Lavatory: Standard
- Various Customer Configurations: Standard flexibility
Cabin Features
- 5'9" stand-up cabin: Falcon family heritage
- 6'1" cabin width: Comfortable for class
- 115 cu ft baggage: Substantial capacity
- Engines rear-mounted (left/right) + tail-mounted (center): Quieter cabin
- Modern Primus EFIS cockpit: Updated for 1996 era
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | Mach 0.83 (528 kts) |
| Long-Range Cruise | Mach 0.75 |
| Range (NBAA IFR) | 3,470 nm |
| Service Ceiling | 49,000 ft |
Runway Performance
- Sea-level takeoff distance: ~5,000 ft (loaded)
- Steep approach capable: London City standard
- Fighter jet heritage: Robust performance margins
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Paris (3,160 nm) - non-stop standard
- London to New York (3,000 nm) - non-stop comfortable
- Los Angeles to Hawaii (2,556 nm) - very comfortable
- Transcontinental U.S.: Workhorse capability
- New York to Geneva (~3,800 nm) - close to limit
Engines
Three Honeywell TFE731-40 turbofan engines, each producing 3,800 lbf of thrust (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: Standard maintenance intervals
- Engine accessibility: Most shops know it
- Stage 3 noise compliant: Modern operating
Avionics: Honeywell Primus EFIS
The Falcon 50EX modernized cockpit:
- Honeywell Primus EFIS: Modernized glass cockpit (vs SPZ-8000)
- Modern integrated displays: For 1996 era
- Common modern retrofits: ADS-B Out, WAAS/LPV, current airspace compliance
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
| Year Range | Pre-Owned Price |
|---|---|
| 2005 to 2008 Falcon 50EX (Final Production) | $4,000,000 to $5,500,000 |
| 2000 to 2004 Falcon 50EX | $3,000,000 to $4,000,000 |
| 1996 to 1999 Falcon 50EX (Early Production) | $2,500,000 to $3,500,000 |
Original new price (1996): $18,000,000.
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Transatlantic Operators: 3,470 nm range capability
- Step-Up From Original Falcon 50: Modernized engines and avionics
- Dassault Falcon Family Operators: Brand heritage and continuity
- Operators Valuing Trijet Safety: Engine-out reliability
- Steep Approach Operators: London City standard
Less suited if:
- You need lowest operating costs (3 engines = higher maintenance)
- You require single-pilot certification (not certified)
- You want widebody cabin (consider Falcon 900LX or 2000LXS)
- You need 4,000+ nm range (consider Falcon 900LX or 7X)
- You require Pro Line Fusion or Easy III (consider Falcon 6X)
Pros and Cons
What the Falcon 50EX Does Well
- 3,470 nm range (extended from original Falcon 50)
- Mach 0.83 (528 kts) cruise
- 49,000 ft service ceiling
- Trijet safety configuration
- 23'7" cabin length
- 5'9" stand-up cabin
- 6'1" cabin width
- 115 cu ft baggage
- Honeywell TFE731-40 engines (modernized vs TFE731-3)
- Honeywell Primus EFIS avionics (modernized vs SPZ-8000)
- Steep approach capable (London City)
- Dassault Falcon heritage
- TFE731 family ubiquity
- Fighter jet tolerance airframe
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Three engines = higher maintenance vs twin
- Production ended 2008 (17+ year old airframes)
- Two-pilot operation required
- Primus EFIS dated vs current Pro Line Fusion or EASy III
- Smaller windows vs newer Falcons
- Limited modern factory product support (Dassault still supports but variant out of production)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Falcon 50EX different from the original Falcon 50?
The Falcon 50EX (1996) is the modernized "Extended" successor to the original Falcon 50 (1979-1996). Key improvements: more powerful Honeywell TFE731-40 engines (3,800 lbf vs original Falcon 50's 3,700 lbf TFE731-3), Honeywell Primus EFIS avionics (replacing SPZ-8000), extended range (3,470 nm vs ~3,300 nm), and various interior refinements. The "EX" designation indicates "Extended" range/capability.
How is the Falcon 50EX 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 50EXs were built?
A total of 109 Falcon 50EX aircraft were built during the 1996 to 2008 production run, representing 31% of the broader Falcon 50 family's 352 total production (including the original Falcon 50 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 London to New York transatlantic missions.
Is the Falcon 50EX single-pilot certified?
No. The Falcon 50EX requires two pilots.
What engines power the Falcon 50EX?
Three Honeywell TFE731-40 turbofan engines, each producing 3,800 lbf of thrust. These are an upgraded variant of the TFE731-3 used on the original Falcon 50.
Why does the Falcon 50EX have three engines?
The trijet configuration was Dassault's distinctive design choice for the Falcon 50 family (and subsequent Falcon 900, 7X, 8X) to provide transatlantic range capability with substantial engine-out safety margins. In the late 1970s when the Falcon 50 was designed, twin-engine reliability and ETOPS certification standards didn't yet support comfortable transatlantic operations, making three engines the preferred safety configuration for long-range business jets.
Should I buy a Falcon 50 or Falcon 50EX?
For most operators, the Falcon 50EX is the preferred choice over the original Falcon 50 due to: more powerful TFE731-40 engines, modernized Primus EFIS avionics (vs SPZ-8000), extended range (3,470 vs ~3,300 nm), and more recent production. The cost premium for the 50EX is generally justified by the operational improvements. Original Falcon 50s typically require avionics modernization to remain operationally relevant.
The Bottom Line
The Dassault Falcon 50EX is the most-refined civil variant of the iconic Falcon 50 trijet family, delivering modernized Honeywell TFE731-40 engines, Honeywell Primus EFIS avionics, 3,470 nm transatlantic range, and Dassault's distinctive trijet safety configuration. Built on the foundational Falcon 50 platform that established Dassault's transatlantic business jet leadership in 1979, the 50EX represents 12 years of platform evolution (1996-2008, 109 aircraft built). At current pre-owned pricing of $2.5M to $5.5M (vs original $18M MSRP), the platform offers exceptional Falcon family heritage value with proven trijet reliability, fighter-jet tolerance airframe, and steep approach capability. For operators valuing Dassault Falcon brand pedigree with transatlantic capability and three-engine safety margins, the Falcon 50EX represents the platform's commercial pinnacle at attainable cost.
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 50EX market intelligence and pre-buy diligence with attention to engine programs and modern avionics retrofit considerations.
[CTA Button: Talk to a Quantum Jets Broker]
Book a Dassault Falcon 50EX 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 50EX 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 50EX 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 50EX against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Dassault Falcon 50EX 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 50EX 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 50EX Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Dassault Falcon 50EX 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 50EX 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 50EX 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 50EX-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 50EX 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 50EX retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Dassault Falcon 50EX-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 50EX 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 50EX 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 50: Direct Predecessor (TFE731-3 Engines, SPZ-8000 Avionics)
- Dassault Falcon 900: Larger Trijet Successor (4,500+ nm)
- Dassault Falcon 2000: Twin-Engine Successor in Mid-Range Class
- Dassault Falcon 7X/8X: Ultra-Long-Range Trijet Successors
Production of the Dassault Falcon 50EX ended in 2008. All acquisitions are pre-owned. Dassault Aviation provides parts/support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.