Falcon 7X Successfully Completes Contaminated Runway Testing

Falcon 7X s/n 03 (F-WSKY) recently completed contaminated runway testing at Cranfield Airport north of London on July 4, 2006.  A total of 12 runs were performed through the water pond installed on runway 21.  Water depth for the testing was about 20mm.  Post flight analysis is expected to verify that the testing met certification requirements for the program.  

"The aircraft performed as expected throughout this test program.  No water was retained in the aircraft cavities as it drained quickly and efficiently without issue," said Philippe Deleume, Falcon Chief Test Pilot for Dassault Aviation.  "The performance of the Pratt and Whitney Canada 307A engines was excellent.  We had no water ingestion during any of the tests.  The engines were tested in all configurations including max reverse," continued Deleume who was at the controls of the aircraft during testing. The aircraft achieved speeds above aquaplaning which was confirmed by wheel speed reduction and pilot feel.  Landing gear and wheels also successfully completed stress tests through the water at 105 knots.