The French Navy has successfully conducted the inaugural flight of its Falcon 2000LXS Albatros maritime surveillance and intervention aircraft at the Bordeaux-Mérignac airport. This milestone marks a significant advancement in enhancing France’s aerial surveillance capabilities, following the French government’s 2020 contract with local defense manufacturer Dassault Aviation for a fleet of up to 12 new aircraft. These units are intended to replace the aging Falcon 50 Surmar and Falcon 200 Guardian aerial patrol fleets currently in service.
The maiden flight of the Falcon 2000LXS Albatros was confirmed by a local plane spotter, who reported seeing the aircraft marked with its specific identification. While details regarding this development have not yet been officially released by France’s Ministry of Defence or Dassault Aviation, the occasion signals a promising step toward modernizing the country’s maritime patrol operations.
According to information from the 2020 procurement announcement, the delivery of the first batch of seven 2000LXS systems is set to commence this year. The initial units will be manufactured in France, with subsequent aircraft produced in India as part of an offset agreement established in 2016 between the French government and Dassault Aviation. Once delivered, all Falcon 2000LXS aircraft will undergo modifications to align with the French Armed Forces’ specialized Albatros configuration. This includes the installation of advanced optronic turrets, tailored observation windows, an under-fuselage multifunction radar, dedicated communication systems, and technology for search and rescue capabilities.
The Falcon 2000LXS Albatros itself is a versatile aircraft measuring 20 meters (66 feet) in length and featuring a wingspan of 21 meters (69 feet). It boasts a substantial fuel capacity of 16,660 pounds (7,556 kilograms) and can accommodate up to 10 passengers. The aircraft is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C turbofan engines, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 1,064 kilometers (661 miles) per hour. With a service ceiling exceeding 14,000 meters (45,932 feet) and an operational range of 4,000 nautical miles (approximately 7,408 kilometers), the Falcon 2000LXS Albatros is poised to enhance the capabilities of the French Navy in maritime surveillance and intervention missions.
