Falcon 20

During the 1950s and 1960s, the French government sought a combined liaison/trainer aircraft equipped with twin-turbofan engines, prompting Dassault Aviation to initiate development of an eight- to 10-seat executive jet/military liaison aircraft. Designated the Dassault-Breguet Mystère 20, the design drew upon the aerodynamics of the Dassault Mystère IV fighter-bomber, and was initially equipped with two rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbojet engines. The Mystère 20 prototype, registered F-WLKB, first flew on 4 May 1963 from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport.

Recognizing a commercial opportunity in North America, Dassault partnered with Pan Am for distribution; in response to feedback received from Pan American, the aircraft was re-engined with a pair of General Electric CF700 engines and several dimensions were increased. Pan American placed an initial order for 40 aircraft with options for 120 more. The re-engined aircraft first flew on 10 July 1964, and the first production aircraft on 1 January 1965. In June 1965, French and American type certifications were awarded. Deliveries commenced to Pan American's outfitting facility at Burbank Airport, California. During 1966, the American-delivered aircraft was redesignated the Fan Jet Falcon, subsequently shortened to Falcon 20. Production continued until 1988, with a total of 473 Falcon 20s and 35 Falcon 200s constructed.

The Dassault Falcon 20 is powered by a pair of rear-mounted turbofan engines, commonly General Electric CF700 engines, though alternative powerplants like the Garrett TFE731 and ATF3 engines have been used. The flight controls are hydraulically powered, augmenting the mechanical pushrods between the cockpit controls and the flight control surfaces. The aircraft can be flown without any augmentation in the event of complete hydraulic failure. The Falcon 20 incorporates a highly swept wing equipped with leading-edge slats to enhance slow-speed performance and decrease stalling speed. The slats automatically deploy at high angles of attack, with the inner section retracting to provide a stable stall with effective aileron control. For ground maneuverability, the aircraft features a fully steerable nosewheel controlled from the captain's position. Some Falcon 20s were converted to cargo-carrying configurations, featuring a hydraulically operated cargo door to simplify loading operations.

The Falcon 20 was adapted for military roles including maritime patrol and surveillance as well as drug interdiction. The U.S. Coast Guard's HU-25 Guardian variants showcase this adaptability, with the HU-25A equipped for general surveillance and search and rescue. The HU-25B was outfitted with side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) for pollution control, while the HU-25C featured a Westinghouse APG-66 search radar and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) turret for drug interdiction, later upgraded in the HU-25C+ with improved radar and FLIR. The HU-25D was further enhanced with inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) and the same FLIR as the HU-25C+. Some Falcon 20s were also converted to light cargo aircraft as the Falcon Cargo Jet (Falcon 20DC), particularly by Federal Express, featuring a large cargo door for easier loading and unloading. A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) allows for the installation of underwing pylons upon the Fan Jet Falcon, Fan Jet Falcon Series D and Fan Jet Falcon Series E which has been commonly used upon those Falcon 20s which have been operated as special mission aircraft, which would often make use of underwing stores.

The Falcon 20 has seen diverse operational use across both civilian and military sectors worldwide. In the commercial sector, it gained initial popularity in North America, although sales were temporarily hampered by the Recession of 1969–70. A significant early adopter was Federal Express, which modified Falcon 20s for cargo operations and established a nationwide air express delivery service. Several air forces have employed the Falcon 20 in various roles, including VIP transport, electronic warfare, and maritime patrol. The United States Coast Guard operated the HU-25 Guardian variant for search and rescue and drug interdiction missions until its retirement in 2014. Moreover, the Falcon 20 has been adapted as an aerial testbed by organizations such as the United States Air Force and NASA, supporting research endeavors, including participation in NASA's Operation IceBridge.

Main Variants:

• Falcon 20C: The initial production version, featuring a lengthened fuselage and seating for 10–12 passengers, powered by 4,200 lbf (19 kN) CF700-2B engines.

• Falcon 20F: An improved model equipped with full leading-edge droop flaps and increased fuel capacity for enhanced performance.

• Falcon 20G: A maritime patrol and surveillance variant powered by two Garrett AiResearch ATF3-6-2C turbofan engines.

• Falcon 200: An improved variant, powered by two 2360-kg (5,200-lb) Garrett ATF3-6A-4C turbofan engines and with more fuel.

• HU-25A Guardian: The United States Coast Guard version of the Falcon 20G, equipped with two Garrett AiResearch Garrett ATF3-6-2C turbofan engines.

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