Dassault Falcon 50 / 50EX blank illustration templates

I hate to admit this, but I was sort of hoping that I’d learn to like the Dassault Falcon 50 more than I did after taking the time to create these side view templates. After nearly two weeks of grueling illustration work, I still think this is one of the weirdest looking business jets ever made.

I wouldn’t go as far as to call it ugly. There are some really neat design elements (the L-1011 / 727-like number 2 engine is cool), but the entire thing reminds me of a 1970’s fighter jet that was modified to be a business jet.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. All I’m saying is that (if I had the money) I’d prefer to be cruising around in a sleek new G650ER instead.

Dassault Falcon 50 (and 50EX) blank illustration templates

I actually started out with the intention of creating a set of side profile templates of the 50EX. After doing a bit of research, I discovered that the 50 and 50EX are nearly identical (at least visually). Technically, either of the two sets of templates below could be a 50 or a 50EX.

Based on what I discovered while doing my research, it seems as if both the antenna extension on the vertical stabilizer and the retrofitted winglets are / were available for both the 50 and the 50EX. I decided to illustrate it both ways just to make the templates as useful as possible.

What is a Dassault Falcon 50?

The Dassault Falcon 50EX is a long-range business jet that has a 3-engine layout. It’s classified as a “trijet” just as the Boeing 727 Lockheed L-1011 were, complete with an S-shaped air duct / intake for the #2 engine.

The 50Ex model is an improvement over the original Falcon 50, which first took to the skies on November 7, 1976. Twenty years later, in 1996, the Dassault Falcon 50 was upgraded to the Dassault Falcon 50EX.

The EX has more powerful/efficient engines, and offers more luxurious options. It’s notable for its sleek shape, wide fuselage, and unique three-engine setup. It remains one of the most powerful business jets on the planet today.

How much does a Dassault Falcon 50 cost?

Prices for the Dassault Falcon 50EX tend to vary, but they’re generally between 2.9 to 3.9 million US dollars. That’s a bit of a steep jump from the original Falcon 50, which retails for .8 to 1.6 million US dollars. However, many consider it to be worth every penny due to how fast, efficient, and comfortable it is.

This hefty price tag keeps the aircraft fairly exclusive as well. Most people won’t ever have the option to fly in one, let alone own one outright. Pretty much the understatement of the year, right?

Why does the Dassault Falcon have three engines?

Not only does the 3-engine layout help to make it faster than other business jets of it’s size, having more power makes it easier to control. It’s one of the only business jets in the world to have three engines.

Having three engines provides an extra level of safety. Although the Dassault Falcon 50 is capable of flying on just one engine, there would not be enough thrust available for takeoff (or executing a missed approach).

Also, since the Dassault Falcon 50EX is a business jet which is capable of flying across oceans and large areas of uninhabited land, the added benefit of having an “extra” engine often outweighs the negatives (increased weight, fuel burn, maintenance, etc). There are a lot of varying opinions of the benefits of having a third engine, but many customers see this as “peace of mind” issue.

Other interesting facts about the Dassault Falcon 50

• The original Dassault Falcon was the first private aircraft ever to have an intercontinental range
• It’s 22 feet and nine inches tall with a wingspan of 61 feet and eight inches. It’s also 60 feet and eight inches long.
• Inside, the cabin is five feet and nine inches high and just over six feet wide. At 22 feet long, 9 passengers can fit comfortably (in addition to two crew members).
• The interior layout is situated in a “club” style, with seats facing each other. There are working tables and electrical outlets throughout the aircraft , and passengers and crew can control the temperature to their liking.
• The first Falcon 50EX was built Serge Dassault himself, and was unveiled on April 26, 1995. His objective was to have it replace the original Falcon 50.
• The newest version of the Dassault Falcon was able to fly much higher than the original, getting up to an astounding 41,000 feet in less than half an hour.
• Although some models vary, the average time it took to get to cruising range was 23 minutes. Newer versions might even be less than that, making the Dassault Falcon 50EX one of the most potent aircraft on the market.
• Thanks to it’s intuitive design, the Dassault Falcon 50EX reduced fuel consumption  by seven percent over the Falcon 50.
• The inaugural flight of the Dassault Falcon 50EX was on April 10, 1996. Etienne Faurdessus and Jean Bongiraud took the helm in the cockpit on that day.
• The Dassault Falcon 50EX is a well-featured mobile boardroom. It features a coffee maker and icebox, and the tables and desks can be arranged in a variety of different ways. It’s a detail-oriented business jet, perfectly suited for C-level executives who don’t have any time to waste.