Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

At its Bordeaux-Mérignac facility in France, Dassault Aviation is completing assembly of the first <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-05-06/dassault-aims-high-and-long-falcon-10x">Falcon 10X</a>, which features the largest cabin cross-section of any purpose-built business jet. Service entry of the 10X is planned for late 2027.
While final assembly of the first article is underway, engineers are conducting airframe load and fatigue limit testing on a mechanical testbed to validate airframe life limits. Like its military cousin, the Rafale, the 10X features a carbon-fiber composite wing.
Falcon 10X systems are being tested on two multi-system test benches at Dassault’s Istres flight test center. Each bench includes subsystems computer suites that represent actual aircraft systems, according to Dassault. “These test benches will verify proper functioning of avionics, engine controls, flight controls, hydraulics, electrical distribution, braking, fire protection and other aircraft systems.” Tests of the flight deck and the digital flight control system are underway at Dassault’s Saint-Cloud headquarters near Paris.
Late last year, Rolls-Royce completed the flight-test campaign for the 10X’s 18,000-pound-thrust Pearl 10X engine. This involved more than 25 flights on Rolls-Royce’s Boeing 747 testbed over six months, including flights to 45,000 feet and at up to Mach 0.90.&nbsp;
With a cabin that is 6 feet 8 inches tall and 9 feet one inch wide and 7,500-nm range, the 10X will be Dassault’s largest and longest-legged jet.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

First Falcon 10X Taking Shape at Dassault’s Bordeaux-Mérignac Facility

Entry into service is planned by the end of 2027

At its Bordeaux-Mérignac facility, Dassault Aviation is completing assembly of the first Falcon 10X business jet, which has a large cabin cross-section.

First Dassault Falcon 10X Taking Shape in Mérignac

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Tariffs, Tax Incentives Making Market Predictions Murky

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News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Shang Hong Group is primary investor for both companies

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News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

In this article

Falcon 10X

Dassault

More In Aircraft

Tariffs, Tax Incentives Making Market Predictions Murky

Deals are slowing and the future is hard to predict, Hagerty Jet Group reports

Citation CJ4 Marks 15th Anniversary of Service Entry

Manufacturer has delivered more than 450 of the light jet since 2010

Aura Aero Appoints Dealers for Light Aircraft Family

Companies with territories spanning Scandinavia to Italy will also market VIP versions

SkyDrive Flies eVTOL Air Taxi Prototype in Osaka

The SD-05 eVTOL aircraft made its public debut at World Expo 2025

Flight Design and Icon Restructure Under Chinese Owners

Shang Hong Group is primary investor for both companies

Elixir Delivers First Aircraft to Greek Flight School

Egnatia has inked a deal for 12 aircraft to be delivered over the next two years

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Vaeridion focuses on short-haul business travel with its nine-passenger aircraft

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