Successors and Innovations
Following the Falcon 50, Dassault introduced the Falcon 7X and the Falcon 900, both featuring larger fuselages and the same three-engine arrangement. In January 2008, Dassault announced the development of a replacement aircraft for the Falcon 50, codenamed the “SMS” (Super Mid Size). While the design process was initially set to be completed by early 2009, all design choices were reopened in June 2009, with an extended goal for completion.
Dassault, in collaboration with Aviation Partners Inc., has also developed and certified High Mach blended winglets for the Falcon 50 and 50EX as a retrofit kit, enhancing their performance and efficiency.
Market and Pricing Trends
By 2018, Falcon 50s from the mid-late 1980s were priced between $879,000 and $1.6 million. More recent models, such as the 1998-2003 Falcon 50EX, commanded higher prices ranging from $2.95 million to $3.95 million.
Variants of the Dassault Falcon 50
Falcon 50: The basic initial variant equipped with Honeywell TFE 731-3-1C engines and an optional auxiliary power unit (APU). A total of 252 were manufactured, with one serving as a prototype for the Falcon 50EX.
Falcon 50EX: This variant features three DEEC-controlled TFE 731-40 engines, a standard APU, changes to the rudder control system, updated avionics, and other improvements. A total of 100 were manufactured, plus one modified Falcon 50.
Falcon 50 “Susanna”: A single Falcon 50 modified for Iraq with a Cyrano IV-C5 radar and hardpoints for two AM-39 Exocet antiship missiles. It was used for training Mirage F1 crews and possibly for the attack on the USS Stark on May 17, 1987. This aircraft was flown to Iran during the Persian Gulf War and was not returned.