FALCON 20-5

Although formally introduced in 1989, the Falcon 20-5 is the result of tweaking and perfecting the existing Falcon 20 midsize business jet.  When first manufactured, Dassault’s line of Falcon 20’s fell short on power. Dassault re-engined the Falcon 20’s not once, but twice. The first conversion took the Falcon 20 from the General Electric CF700 series to TFE-731-5AR engines, each with 4,500 lbs of thrust. However, with the second upgrade in 1989, the aircraft improved across the board, becoming the Falcon 20-5.

The Falcon 20-5 employs a pair of Allied Signal (Garrett) TFE-731-5BR engines. They produce 4,750 lbs of thrust, an additional 250 lbs from the previous iteration. However, almost more noteworthy is the 20-5’s improved performance in other areas (as a result of its evolved engine).

The Falcon 20-5 boasts an additional 850 lbs maximum take-off weight (MTOW) to 30,325 lbs. Both runway and climb performance improved; the 20-5 climbs to 39,000 feet in 27 minutes, seven minutes less than with the previous engine. At sea level, the 20-5 requires 5,085 feet to take off.

Additional improvements seen in the 20-5 include increased range (nearly double its predecessors) and up to 10% greater speed. The jet is able to cruise at 480 ktas (high speed) or 411 ktas (long range).  Its certified flight ceiling is 42,000 feet.

The Falcon 20-5’s original analog/mechanical panel is almost always upgraded at the same time it is re- engined. A typical avionics suite includes the Collins Pro Line 4, dual VHF 20, four-tube EFIS, APS 30 autopilot, Dual VIR 30, dual ADF 60 and dual DME 40. Other included systems are Universal UNS-1M or Global GNS-X FMS and Sperry Primus 400 color weather radar.

The inside of the Falcon 20-5 is identical to Dassault’s 731 Falcon 20B. The cabin measures 5.7 feet in height, 6.1 feet in width and 24 feet in length. Able to accommodate eight to ten passengers, the space is configured in either a double-club arrangement or a club-divan-individual combo. A forward galley and full-width aft lavatory are included.

By employing a better engine option, the Falcon 20-5 corrects all of the original 20’s shortcomings in power and performance. Dassault’s ability to evolve and perfect their aircraft makes the Falcon 20-5 a high-performing, competitive option in its class of midsize business jets.