Dassault Falcon 5X: Complete Specs, History, and Why It Was Cancelled (2026)

The Dassault Falcon 5X is one of the most significant cancelled programs in business aviation history. Launched October 21, 2013 at the NBAA convention as a $45 million ultra-wide-body long-range business jet, the Falcon 5X promised the widest purpose-built business jet cabin ever (2.58 m / 102 in), 5,200 nautical mile range, Mach 0.90 top speed, and a 5,500 nm range capability with the Safran Silvercrest engines. However, after persistent Silvercrest engine development problems (originally promised for delivery end of 2013 but pushed to 2017+), Dassault Aviation cancelled the Falcon 5X program on December 13, 2017. The cancellation was the result of "new performance shortfall" issues with the Silvercrest's high-pressure compressor identified during flight tests in September 2017 (after the first 5X flight on July 5, 2017 with preliminary non-production engines). At the same time, Dassault announced a replacement program: the Falcon 6X, with the same fuselage cross-section but powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800 engines (already used on the Gulfstream G500/G600). The 6X first flew March 10, 2021 and entered service November 30, 2023. The Falcon 5X-6X transition cost Dassault 12 cancelled orders (2016) and resulted in a $280 million settlement payment from Safran to Dassault on September 6, 2018. This article documents the Falcon 5X's complete history as a cautionary tale of engine development risk.

For aviation enthusiasts and industry historians, the Falcon 5X represents an important chapter in the history of business jet engine development.

Falcon 5X Specifications at a Glance (As Designed)

Specification	Value
Category	Cancelled Programs - Business Jet Aviation
Status	CANCELLED December 13, 2017
Designation	Dassault Falcon 5X
Replacement	Falcon 6X (PW812D engines, entered service November 30, 2023)
Manufacturer	Dassault Aviation (program cancelled)
Unveiled	October 21, 2013 (NBAA Convention)
Original Service Entry Target	2017 (delayed to 2020, never achieved)
First Flight	July 5, 2017 (preliminary non-production engines)
First Flight Performance	Reached 41,000 ft and Mach 0.85
Cancellation Date	December 13, 2017
Reason for Cancellation	Safran Silvercrest engine development failures
Cancelled Orders	12 (in 2016)
Dassault Compensation From Safran	$280 million (September 6, 2018 settlement)
Engines (Planned)	2× Safran Silvercrest
Engine Thrust Class	10,000-12,000 lbst
Engine Variant for Falcon 5X	Silvercrest 1A (11,450 lbf thrust per engine)
Planned Max Range	5,200 nm
Planned Range Replacement (6X)	5,500 nm (PW812D engines)
Planned Max Speed	Mach 0.90
Planned Cabin Width	2.58 m (102 in) - WIDEST PURPOSE-BUILT BUSINESS JET
Planned MTOW	35,135 kg (77,459 lb)
Planned Wing Area	70.7 m² (761 ft²)
Cabin Cross-Section Carried to 6X	Same
Total Aircraft Built (Including Test)	2 test airframes (no production aircraft)
Original Price Target	$45,000,000

History as a Cautionary Tale of Engine Risk

The Falcon 5X program is one of the most prominent examples of how business jet manufacturers can be derailed by engine supplier issues.

Program timeline:

2006: Falcon 5X design work begins under codename "SMS" (super-midsize)
2010-2013: Detailed development with Safran Silvercrest engines
October 21, 2013: Falcon 5X unveiled at NBAA Convention (with Silvercrest engine)
End of 2013: Original target for Silvercrest engine deliveries (MISSED)
2014-2015: Multiple Silvercrest technical issues
2015-2016: Major Silvercrest technical issues identified
2015: First Falcon 5X rollout at Mérignac
January 29, 2016: Dassault confirms 2-year delay and production freeze
2016: 12 customer orders cancelled
2017: New Silvercrest schedule (end of 2017 delivery)
July 5, 2017: First flight with preliminary non-production engines (Bordeaux-Mérignac)
October 2017 (NBAA): Safran announces new high-pressure compressor issues
October 2017: 50 flight hours total achieved (Mach 0.85, 41,000 ft)
December 13, 2017: Dassault cancels Falcon 5X program
December 13, 2017: Dassault announces replacement program (later named Falcon 6X)
February 28, 2018: Falcon 6X unveiled
September 6, 2018: Dassault/Safran amicable settlement ($280M to Dassault)
March 10, 2021: Falcon 6X first flight
November 30, 2021: Transport Canada certifies PW812 engine
August 2023: Falcon 6X receives FAA and EASA certification
November 30, 2023: Falcon 6X enters service
Late 2024: First U.S. Part 91 6X delivered

The Falcon 5X-6X transition cost Dassault years of program development time and millions in compensation, but ultimately delivered a successful aircraft (Falcon 6X) with proven Pratt & Whitney Canada engines.

The Silvercrest Engine Failure

Safran's Silvercrest engine was the central failure point:

Engine Specifications (Planned)

Thrust Class: 10,000-12,000 lbst
Falcon 5X Variant: Silvercrest 1A (11,450 lbf)
Design: Axial and centrifugal flow, twin-shaft, bypass turbofan
Target Applications: Falcon 5X + Cessna Citation Hemisphere
Original Delivery: End of 2013

What Went Wrong

The Silvercrest had multiple development issues:

Original 2013 deadline missed: First failure
2015-2016 technical issues: Major schedule slip
Compressor section problems: Initial design issues
2017 high-pressure compressor: New performance shortfall

"The compressor is a bit too slow to accelerate and decelerate" (Safran VP Cédric Goubet)
Issue surfaced during flight tests in San Antonio
At slow airspeeds with power reduction/advancement, engine slow to spool up

Dassault's Decision Process

Per Dassault press release December 13, 2017:

"Magnitude of the risks involved both on the technical and schedule aspects"
"Initiates the termination process of the Silvercrest contract"
"Leading to the end of the Falcon 5X program"
"Plans to start negotiations with Safran"

Settlement With Safran

September 6, 2018: Amicable settlement signed
Compensation: $280 million paid by Safran to Dassault
Result: Both companies move on, but Silvercrest program continues for other potential customers

Silvercrest Subsequent Fate

The Silvercrest engine was also intended for the Textron Aviation Cessna Citation Hemisphere. The Hemisphere program was first delayed and then cancelled in part due to the same Silvercrest issues.

Design Features (As Planned)

The Falcon 5X featured several unique design elements:

1. Widest Purpose-Built Business Jet Cabin

2.58 m (102 in) cabin width: Industry-leading
Largest cabin volume per fuselage diameter: Unique design
Premium passenger comfort: Differentiation focus

2. Distinctive "Zenith Window"

Skylight in cabin roof: Industry-unique
Allows more natural light: Premium experience
Innovative design element: Eliminated in 6X successor

3. Modern Wing Design

70.7 m² (761 ft²) wing area: Sized for 35,135 kg MTOW
Modern aerodynamics: Designed for Mach 0.90 cruise
Carried forward to Falcon 6X: Reinforced version

4. EASy III Flight Deck

Honeywell Primus Epic EASy III: Modern (for 2013 era)
Digital flight control system: Standard
Industry-leading integration: Modern for class

5. 5,200 nm Range (Planned)

5,200 nm with full payload: Industry-competitive
Mach 0.85 long-range cruise: Standard
Transcontinental capability: Standard

Falcon 6X: The Replacement

When Dassault cancelled the 5X, they immediately launched the Falcon 6X:

Key Differences From 5X

Specification	Falcon 5X (Cancelled)	Falcon 6X (Successor)
Engines	2× Safran Silvercrest (failed)	2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D
Range	5,200 nm	5,500 nm
Service Entry	Never (cancelled 2017)	November 30, 2023
Cabin Width	2.58 m	2.58 m (retained from 5X)
Wing	New	Reinforced 5X wing
Front Fuselage	Standard	Extended +20 inches (51 cm)
MTOW	35,135 kg	Higher (heavier engines)
Empty Weight	18.1 t	19.2 t (+5.7% due to engine swap)
Status	Cancelled	Active production
Equipped Price (2023)	$45M target	$53.8M
Nitrogen Inerting	No	Yes (first Dassault)

Falcon 6X Achievements

First flight: March 10, 2021
Service entry: November 30, 2023
Equipped price (2023): $53.8M
First Government order (Serbia): 2025
Active production: Confirmed

Lessons Learned From the Falcon 5X

The Falcon 5X cancellation provided industry lessons:

1. Engine Supplier Risk Management

Avoid single-source new engine programs: When possible
Maintain backup engine options: For risk mitigation
Contractual compensation provisions: For supplier failures

2. Customer Order Vulnerability

12 customers cancelled orders in 2016: Per Dassault
Customer patience limited: After multiple delays
Reputation impact: Significant

3. Compensation Mechanisms

$280M Safran payment: Material settlement
Sets precedent for similar disputes: Industry implications

4. Successor Program Pivots

Falcon 6X launched immediately: 5X-to-6X transition
Same fuselage cross-section retained: Maximized investment recovery
New engine selection process: Pratt & Whitney Canada selected

Mission Profile (Theoretical)

The Falcon 5X was designed for the following mission profiles:

Ultra-Wide Cabin Operations: 2.58 m cabin width
Long-Range Business: 5,200 nm range
Steep Approach: London City capable
Operators Valuing Cabin Comfort Over Speed: Mach 0.85 typical cruise

These mission profiles are now served by the Falcon 6X (slightly longer range, same cabin width, proven PW812D engines).

Pros and Cons (Theoretical)

What the Falcon 5X Promised

5,200 nm range (substantial)
Mach 0.90 top speed (industry-leading)
2.58 m cabin width (widest in class)
Distinctive "zenith window" (skylight)
70.7 m² wing
Honeywell EASy III flight deck
$45M price (competitive for class)

What Doomed the 5X

Safran Silvercrest engine failures (multiple)
4+ years of development delays
Customer order cancellations
Performance shortfall in 2017
Schedule incompatibility with market needs
$280M compensation cost to recover

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Falcon 5X cancelled?

The Falcon 5X program was cancelled on December 13, 2017 due to persistent failures in the development of its Safran Silvercrest engine. After multiple years of delays (originally scheduled for delivery end of 2013, then end of 2017), Safran discovered new high-pressure compressor performance issues in September 2017 that would have prevented the planned 2020 entry into service. Dassault concluded the magnitude of the risks made continued development unviable.

What replaced the Falcon 5X?

The Falcon 6X replaced the Falcon 5X. Announced February 28, 2018 (immediately after the December 2017 cancellation), the 6X features the same 2.58 m cabin cross-section as the 5X but uses Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D turbofan engines instead of Silvercrest. The 6X first flew March 10, 2021 and entered service November 30, 2023. The 6X also features extended range (5,500 nm vs 5X's planned 5,200 nm) and a 20-inch front fuselage extension.

How much did the 5X cancellation cost Dassault?

The 5X cancellation cost Dassault years of development time, 12 cancelled customer orders in 2016, and required substantial restart investment for the Falcon 6X. However, Safran paid Dassault $280 million in an amicable settlement signed September 6, 2018, which partially offset the financial impact. The total cost to Dassault including delayed market entry and reputation damage was substantially more than the settlement.

Did any Falcon 5X aircraft fly?

Yes, one Falcon 5X prototype flew. The first flight took place July 5, 2017 from Bordeaux-Mérignac with preliminary non-production Silvercrest engines. The aircraft reached Mach 0.85 and 41,000 ft and accumulated 50 flight hours by October 2017. However, no production Falcon 5X aircraft were ever built. The single prototype likely went to Dassault's preservation, but no further flights occurred after the December 2017 cancellation.

Could the Silvercrest engine have worked eventually?

Safran's position was that the Silvercrest's "performance at its entry into service" was not in question, only the development schedule (per Safran spokesman). However, Dassault concluded that even with continued development, the schedule risk was unacceptable. The Silvercrest was also planned for the Cessna Citation Hemisphere, which was similarly affected by the engine issues. As of 2026, the Silvercrest has not been commercialized in any business jet platform.

What is the Citation Hemisphere?

The Cessna Citation Hemisphere was Textron's planned new large-cabin business jet that was also slated to use the Safran Silvercrest engines. After the 5X cancellation and continued Silvercrest issues, the Citation Hemisphere program was first delayed and then cancelled. This represented a substantial dual setback for the Silvercrest engine program in business aviation.

Why didn't Dassault wait longer for Silvercrest?

Per Dassault CEO Eric Trappier (December 13, 2017): "Considering the magnitude of the risks involved both on the technical and schedule aspects of the Silvercrest program, Dassault Aviation initiates the termination process." Dassault concluded that continued investment in the Silvercrest had unacceptable schedule and technical risk, particularly with customers losing patience and orders cancelling.

The Bottom Line

The Dassault Falcon 5X represents one of the most significant cancelled business jet programs in modern history. Originally promising the widest purpose-built business jet cabin (2.58 m / 102 in), 5,200 nm range, Mach 0.90 top speed, and revolutionary design features (including a zenith window skylight), the 5X was ultimately doomed by persistent failures in its Safran Silvercrest engine development. From the October 21, 2013 launch through the December 13, 2017 cancellation, Dassault invested years of development time and faced 12 customer order cancellations before finally pulling the plug. The good news: the Falcon 6X successor (powered by proven Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D engines) entered service November 30, 2023 with substantially longer range (5,500 nm) and the same revolutionary cabin cross-section preserved. The 5X's cancellation is a cautionary tale of engine supplier risk and engineering development uncertainty in business aviation. The $280 million Safran settlement (September 6, 2018) partially offset Dassault's losses, but the broader industry lesson stands: new engine programs carry substantial risk for the airframer who commits to them.

For collectors and aviation historians, the Falcon 5X represents a unique chapter. The single prototype represents the only aircraft of this type ever built. The cancelled 5X is forever connected to the successful Falcon 6X that replaced it.

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Related Aircraft Guides:

Dassault Falcon 6X: Successor With PW812D Engines (Service Entry Nov 30, 2023)
Dassault Falcon 7X: Tri-Engine Ultra-Long-Range (Active Production)
Dassault Falcon 8X: Tri-Engine Ultra-Long-Range Successor (Active Production)
Dassault Falcon 900LX: Tri-Engine Long-Range (Active Production)
Dassault Falcon 2000LXS: Twin-Engine Super-Midsize (Active Production)

The Dassault Falcon 5X was cancelled on December 13, 2017 and was never put into production. The Falcon 6X (powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW812D engines) is the successor and is currently in active production with November 30, 2023 service entry. The Safran Silvercrest engine has not been commercialized in any business jet platform as of 2026. Information accurate as of 2026.