Systems
Smart is the key philosophy and characteristic of the Falcon philosophy in system design.
FLIGHT CONTROLS
The flight control system of the current generation of Falcons is remarkable in its simplicity and its use of rigid rods and bellcranks instead of the cables and pulley employed on other business jets. As a result, the Falcon achieves a very high degree of flight control precision.
The aircraft is controlled inflight through the following components:
- Two ailerons for roll control
- Two elevators and a movable horizontal stabilizer for pitch control
- A rudder for yaw control
- Four leading edge slats (two for the F2000 series) and four trailing edge double-slotted Fowler flaps for high lift
- Six airbrake panels
The primary flight controls are non-reversible and fully assisted. The control linkage, consisting of rigid rods and bellcranks, connects the cockpit controls to the roll, yaw and pitch hydraulic servo-controls.
The design of the Falcon flight controls ensures the flight quality meets all FAR 25 Transport Category Aircraft and FAA requirements (without stick pusher or stick shaker).
Each servo-control is associated with an auxiliary AFU (artificial feel unit) which is designed to bring servo-control back to neutral and also provides feedback to the pilot. The servo-control output rods drive two control arms hinged to the associated control surface bearing. In case of total hydraulic failure, the aircraft control surfaces may be operated manually.
The Falcon 7X, newest in the Falcon family, brings another first to aircraft systems in business aviation. Utilizing "Digital Flight Control System" technology, the traditional pilot's control yokes are replaced by side stick controllers for each pilot.
New to the industry? Yes. New to Dassault? Not at all. Dassault aviation has employed fly-by-wire Digital-Flight-Control technology in its fighter jets for the past 30 years!
FUEL SYSTEM
A fueling panel allows partial or full refueling at the touch of a switch. An overwing gravity refueling system is also installed.
Fuel tanks are pressurized with engine bleed air enabling delivery of fuel to the engines under maximum demand during takeoff or at any flight level, even with fuel pumps off. In fact, Falcon jets are designed so that any fuel tank can feed any engine.
So what does all this mean? Simply stated; safety and convenience.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DC power systems have been selected for Falcons due to their reliability, maintainability and efficiency. It has been proven through our field experience with over 1600 Falcons.
DC power has the following advantages:
Simplicity and redundancy with two main buses
Weight savings
Maintenance cost savings for components. In contrast, units used to produce AC electrical power have proven to have poor reliability with our competitors.
Elimination of inverters and their associated weight and complexity.
Undesirable EMI (electromagnetic interference) is virtually eliminated.
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM
The hydraulic system is designed for safety and redundancy, like all other systems on a Falcon. It provides power to operate flight controls, landing gear and brakes. They typically operate with 2 main, independent and simultaneous systems for added safety.
The system uses a type of hydraulic fluid known as MIL-H-5606. In contrast to Skydrol, which is used on other brands of business jets, MIL-H-5606 is less corrosive to metal surfaces and is hence easier to work with. It does not require the use of special seals or special care during maintenance. It has a low toxicity, is lighter, and costs 5 times less.
In short, aircraft hydraulics should be the last thing on anyone's mind. With a Falcon, operators are assured of this.
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