Business Aviation
Dassault Falcon 10X Prototype Begins Ground Tests in Bordeaux
Dassault Falcon 10X’s first prototype spotted in Bordeaux starting ground tests; maiden flight expected early 2026, service entry late 2027.
This article summarizes reporting by Actu Aero and publicly available datas.
The first fully assembled prototype of the Dassault Falcon 10X has been observed on the tarmac at the manufacturers’ facility in Bordeaux-Mérignac, marking a pivotal milestone for the French aerospace giant’s flagship program. According to reporting by Actu Aero, the aircraft was spotted on December 12, 2025, signaling the transition from assembly to active physical testing.
This development comes as Dassault Aviation works to bring its largest and most advanced business jet to market. While the company has not yet issued a formal press release regarding a rollout ceremony, the sighting confirms that the aircraft is structurally complete and has begun initial systems evaluation. The Falcon 10X is positioned to compete directly with the ultra-long-range market leaders, the Bombardier Global 7500 and the Gulfstream G700.
The initial report from Actu Aero describes the aircraft as appearing in its “green” protective anti-corrosion coating, a standard condition for airframes before they receive their final livery. The observation provided critical insights into the aircraft’s operational status.
According to the report, the prototype is not merely a static shell; it is “alive.” Observers noted that the auxiliary power unit (APU) was running, evidenced by exhaust emissions, and the aircraft’s anti-collision beacons were active. This indicates that the Falcon 10X’s internal electrical and hydraulic grids are being powered up and tested, a necessary precursor to engine runs and taxi tests.
“The presence of active beacons and exhaust from the APU confirms that the aircraft is ‘alive’…”
, Summary of reporting by Actu Aero
Dassault leadership has previously indicated a preference for letting technical progress dictate the schedule rather than committing to public dates for maiden flights. Consequently, this quiet appearance on the tarmac aligns with the company’s conservative approach to public relations during critical development phases.
With the prototype now undergoing static ground tests to verify structural integrity and systems integration, the program is moving toward its next major hurdles. Based on the current status reported by Actu Aero and broader industry data, the aircraft is expected to enter the paint shop shortly. While speculation initially suggested a potential flight before the end of 2025, the consensus among industry observers is that the maiden flight will occur in the early weeks of 2026. This timeline allows engineers to fully validate the “Smart Throttle” system and the complex fly-by-wire architecture adapted from Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet.
The Falcon 10X program has faced delays common to the current aerospace supply chain environment. Originally targeting a 2025 entry into service (EIS), Dassault has revised this target. According to previous financial reports and program updates, the manufacturer is now aiming for certification and service entry in late 2027. This schedule accommodates the development timeline of the Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines, which are integral to the jet’s performance profile.
The sighting of the Falcon 10X prototype is more than a technical milestone; it is a strategic necessity for Dassault. The ultra-long-range segment is currently dominated by Gulfstream and Bombardier, both of which have successfully certified their flagship models (the G700 and Global 7500/8000, respectively).
Dassault’s decision to prioritize cabin width, the 10X boasts a cross-section wider than both its competitors, suggests a gamble that passenger comfort will outweigh raw range statistics for top-tier buyers. By finally moving the metal onto the tarmac, Dassault is sending a clear signal to the market that the 10X is a tangible reality, not just a paper airplane, helping to secure the backlog of orders necessary to sustain the program through 2027.
The Falcon 10X represents a significant leap in capabilities for Dassault. It is designed to bridge the gap between traditional business jets and “VIP” airliners, offering a cabin size that exceeds current industry standards.
These specifications place the 10X in a unique niche. While the Bombardier Global 8000 holds the crown for range (8,000 nm) and speed (Mach 0.94), the Falcon 10X counters with superior interior volume and advanced flight control laws derived from military applications.
When will the Falcon 10X fly for the first time? Is the Falcon 10X replacing the Falcon 8X? What engines does the Falcon 10X use?
First Dassault Falcon 10X Prototype Spotted in Bordeaux, Begins Ground Tests
Prototype Sighting and Status
Program Timeline and Next Steps
Maiden Flight Expectations
Entry into Service
AirPro News Analysis
Aircraft Specifications and Market Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on the recent ground tests reported by Actu Aero, the maiden flight is expected in early 2026.
No, the Falcon 10X is a new flagship product that sits above the 8X in Dassault’s lineup, offering greater range and a significantly larger cabin.
It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X engines, marking a shift from the Pratt & Whitney Canada engines used on the Falcon 6X and 8X.Sources
Photo Credit: Actu Aero