Dassault Falcon 20-5 Specs and Description

Background/History

In 1985, Dassault closed the Falcon 20 production line, offering the Falcon 200 in its place. Some 486 Falcon 20s had been built and most remained in service despite the shortcomings of the General Electric CF700 series powerplants. Conversion specialists at Garrett recognized a market for an engine conversion to their TFE-731. In March 1989, the FAA certified the 731 Falcon 20 which was powered by a pair of TFE-731-5AR turbofans rated at 4,500lbs. of thrust each. Garrett had accomplished a little over 50 of the engine conversions before they switched to the the -5BR engine variant producing 4,750lbs of thrust. Aircraft fitted with the -5BR are designated the 731 Falcon 20B and feature and increase in MTOW of 850lbs. and an improved runway and climb performance. Falcon 20-5 conversion aircraft enjoy almost double the range of the Falcon 20 series aircraft, have a 10% improvement in speed on trips up to 1,445nm and achieve Stage III compliance. Approximately 119 Falcon 20s have been re-engined by Garrett Aviation.

Power

The 731 Falcon 20B is powered by a pair of Allied Signal (Garrett) TFE-731-5BR turbofan engines rated at 4,750lbs. of thrust each. The inspection interval is 4,200 hours.

Avionics

Most owners opt to replace their Falcon 20’s antiquated analog/mechanical panel while the aircraft is disassembled for the engine conversion. A typical installation will include Collins Pro Line 4 with four-tube EFIS, dual VHF 20, Dual VIR 30, APS 30 autopilot, dual ADF 60, dual DME 40, Universal UNS-1M or Global GNS-X FMS and Sperry Primus 400 color weather radar.

Design Features

The 731 Falcon 20B is a mid-size, medium-range business aircraft configured as a cantilever, swept, low-wing monoplane with a cantilever cruciform tail section. The airframe is of aluminum monocoque construction and has retractable tricycle landing gear with dual wheels on all units. The two powerplants are rear fuselage-mounted. An airstair door is located on the forward port side of the fuselage. An Allied Signal APU and Dee Howard thrust reversers are available as options.

Accomodations

The 731 Falcon 20B is normally configured to seat eight to ten passengers in a double-club arrangement or combination of club, divan and individual seating. The galley is located in the forward cabin and the full-width lavatory occupies the aft cabin. Cabin height is 5.7 ft., width is 6.1 ft. and length is 24.0 ft.