Falcon 2000LXS Albatros: New Era for French Navy
The French Navy has marked a significant milestone with the inaugural flight of its Falcon 2000LXS Albatros maritime surveillance and intervention aircraft at Bordeaux-Mérignac airport. This event follows a contract awarded to Dassault Aviation in 2020, which outlines the production of up to 12 aircraft intended to replace the aging Falcon 50 Surmar and Falcon 200 Guardian fleets. A local aviation enthusiast confirmed the aircraft’s maiden flight, noting its identification markings that signify its operational role.
As of now, neither France’s Ministry of Defence nor Dassault Aviation has issued formal statements regarding this important development. The procurement announcement made in 2020 indicated that deliveries of the first seven Falcon 2000LXS units are set to begin this year. Notably, the initial batch will be produced in France, while subsequent units will be manufactured in India, a decision aligned with offset agreements established between the French government and Dassault in 2016.
Advanced Features of the Falcon 2000LXS
Upon delivery, all Falcon 2000LXS aircraft will undergo conversion to the specialized Albatros configuration tailored for the French Armed Forces. This configuration includes several sophisticated features, such as an advanced optronic turret, modified observation windows, a multifunction radar mounted beneath the fuselage, dedicated communication systems, and the capability for search and rescue kit deployment.
The Falcon 2000LXS Albatros boasts an impressive design, measuring 20 meters (66 feet) in length with a wingspan of 21 meters (69 feet). It has a fuel capacity of 16,660 pounds (7,556 kilograms) and can comfortably carry up to 10 passengers. Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C turbofan engines, the aircraft can achieve speeds up to 1,064 kilometers (661 miles) per hour, reach a service ceiling of over 14,000 meters (45,932 feet), and cover a range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers or 4,603 miles).
