By Rebecca Rayko
AWN Editor

NEW ORLEANS - French manufacturer Dassault announced at NBAA 2000 an addition to the Falcon Jet family.

The new 3,800-nautical-mile Falcon 2000EX adds 25% more range to the original Falcon 2000, but Dassault chairman Charles Edelstenne insists the 2000EX is not a replacement to its predecessor.

The original Falcon 2000 has been Dassault's best selling Falcon model since it entered service in 1994.

"The differences in range, price and availability are such that both versions of the 2000 will coexist - as has been the case with our 900 series," Edelstenne said.

The range improvement for the 2000EX is made possible by new PW308C engines and a 3,815-pound increase in the aircraft's fuel capacity.

The PW308C engines were developed by Pratt & Whitney Canada specifically for the 2000EX program.

In terms of dimension, airframe design, cockpit and cabin volume, the 2000EX is basically identical to the original Falcon 2000. The differences are found mainly in the aircraft systems.

The 2000EX fuel system has 31% more capacity and has new pumps, an improved gauging system and a new FQMC (fluid quantity management computer) developed by Intertechnique.

There is also a new DFSC (digital fuel servicing panel) combined with precise flowmeters that allows full control over fueling/defueling operations without having to recheck fuel quantities on the flight deck.

The heavier operating weight of the 2000EX made a heavier duty landing gear and brake system necessary. The main landing gear for the 2000EX, made by Messier Dowty, is a modified Falcon 2000 main landing gear with a "beefier" upper body, a new axle and new wheels, said Dassault.

Its nose gear comes from the Falcon 900EX. Dassault's new EASy cockpit will eventually be offered on the 2000EX in 2004.

First flight of the Falcon 2000EX is set for fourth quarter 2001. Certification by FAA and JAA authorities is planned for third quarter 2002, with customer deliveries of completed aircraft scheduled to begin in early 2003.