View source for Dassault Falcon 20

{{short description|Midsize business jet}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
  |name= Falcon 20 (Mystère 20) <br />HU-25 Guardian
  |image= File:Dassault Falcon 20E Belgium - Air Force, LUX Luxembourg (Findel), Luxembourg PP1278001849.jpg
  |caption= A Dassault Falcon 20E of the [[Belgian Air Force]]
  |type= [[Business jet]]
  |manufacturer= [[Dassault Aviation]]
  |designer=
  |first_flight= 4 May 1963<ref name = "dorr 20">Dorr 2015, p. 20.</ref>
  |introduction= 3 June 1965
  |retired=
  |status= Out of production, in active service
  |primary_user= [[FedEx Express|Federal Express]] (formerly)
  |more_users= [[French Navy]] <br />[[United States Coast Guard]] <!-- "More users" field limited to THREE total-->  |produced= 1965–1991<ref name=Flight12oct2018/>
  |number_built= 512<ref name=Flight12oct2018>{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nbaa-business-jet-designs-that-changed-the-industry-452471/ |title= NBAA: Business jet designs that changed the industry |date= 12 October 2018 |author= Murdo Morrison |work= FlightGlobal}}</ref>
  |unit cost = US$2.5M (1972)<ref>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1972/1972%20-%202020.html |title= Airliner price index |magazine= Flight International |date= 10 August 1972 |page= 183}}</ref>
  |developed_from =
  |variants= 
| developed_into = [[Dassault Falcon 10]] <br> [[Dassault Falcon 50]]
}}

The '''Dassault Falcon 20''' is a French [[business jet]] developed and manufactured by [[Dassault Aviation]]. The first business jet developed by the firm, it became the first of a family of business jets to be produced under the same name; of these, both the smaller [[Dassault Falcon 10|Falcon 10]] and the larger [[trijet]] [[Dassault Falcon 50|Falcon 50]] were direct derivatives of the Falcon 20.

Initially known as the '''Dassault-Breguet Mystère 20''', approval to proceed with development of the aircraft was issued during December 1961. It is a low-wing [[monoplane]] design, powered by a pair of rear-mounted [[General Electric CF700]] [[turbofan]] engines. On 4 May 1963, the prototype made its maiden flight. The first production aircraft was introduced on 3 June 1965. On 10 June 1965, French aviator [[Jacqueline Auriol]] achieved the women's world speed record using the first prototype.

As a result of an early distributor arrangement with American airline [[Pan American World Airways|Pan American]] (Pan Am), American-delivered aircraft were marketed under the name ''Fan Jet Falcon''; it soon became popularly known as the ''Falcon 20''. American orders proved valuable early on; by 1968, Pan Am Business Jets Division had placed orders for 160 Falcon 20s. Further major orders were soon placed for the type by several operators, both civil and military; amongst others, these included the [[French Navy]], the [[United States Coast Guard]], and [[FedEx Express|Federal Express]].

An improved model of the aircraft, designated the ''Falcon 200'', was developed. This variant, powered by a pair of [[Garrett ATF3]] engines, featured several major improvements to increase its range, capacity, and comfort. Additionally, a number of Falcon 20s that had been originally powered by the CF700 engines were later re-engined with [[Garrett TFE731]] [[turbofan]] engines. The aircraft proved to be so popular that production did not end until 1988, when it had been superseded by more advanced developments of the Falcon family. Due to the increasing implementation of [[Noise control|noise-abatement]] regulations, the Falcon 20 has either been subject to restrictions on its use in some nations, or been retrofitted with Stage 3 noise-compliant engines or [[hush kit]]s upon its non-compliant engines. The type has also been used as a flying test bed and aerial laboratory by a number of operators, including [[NASA]]. In November 2012, a Falcon 20 had the distinction of becoming the first civilian jet to fly on 100% [[biofuel]].

==Development==
===Origins===
[[File:General Electric CF700 on Dassault Falcon 20 N921ML.jpg|thumb|The [[General Electric CF700]] nacelle with its distinctive bypass intake]]
[[File:Garrett TFE731 on Dassault Falcon 20 N70PL.jpg|thumb|The later [[Garrett TFE731]] nacelle with a conventional intake]]

During the 1950s and 1960s, the French government, which had taken a significant interest in the re-establishment and growth of its national aviation industries in the aftermath of the [[World War II|Second World War]], developed a detailed request for a combined [[liaison aircraft|liaison]]/[[trainer aircraft|trainer]] aircraft, to be equipped with twin-turbofan engines.<ref name = "two jets 20"/> Among those companies that took interest in the government request was French aircraft manufacturer [[Dassault Aviation]]. In December 1961, French aircraft designer and head of Dassault Aviation, [[Marcel Dassault]], gave the go-ahead to proceed with work towards the production of an eight- to 10-seat [[executive jet]]/military liaison aircraft, which was initially named as the ''Dassault-Breguet Mystère 20''.<ref name = "two jets 20"/> The emerging design was of a low-wing monoplane, which drew upon the aerodynamics of the [[transonic]] [[Dassault Mystère IV]] [[fighter-bomber]], and was equipped with a pair of rear-mounted {{cvt|3300|lbf|kN|2|order=flip}} [[Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8]] [[turbojet]] engines.<ref name = "two jets 20">Block, Thomas H. [https://books.google.com/books?id=PmpIf7Ji8zoC&pg=PA20 "Foreign Accent: Two French Jets to Go."] ''[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]]'', April 1973. Vol. 92, No. 4. ISSN 0015-4806. p. 20.</ref>

On 4 May 1963, the Mystère 20 prototype, registered ''F-WLKB'', conducted its [[maiden flight]] from [[Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport]], [[Gironde]], France. By this stage, attention in the programme was centered around the commercial opportunities for the type, particularly the large North American market.<ref name = "two jets 20"/> According to aerospace publication [[Flying (magazine)|''Flying'']], while Dassault had achieved satisfactory technical progress on the Mystère 20, it was recognised even by the company's officials that the firm lacked both the sales presence and the experience  to effectively market the type to English-speaking nations. Accordingly, the option of directly selling the type was discarded in favour of seeking an established US distributor.<ref name = "two jets 20"/> Coincidentally, management at Pan Am happened to be seeking a suitable aircraft to launch its planned corporate jet aircraft sales division, and following a review of a range of available business jets of the era, took an interest in the Mystère 20.<ref name = "two jets 20"/>

Progress between Dassault and Pan Am was rapid, moving from engineering evaluations of the type to the formation of general agreements between the two companies.<ref name = "two jets 20"/> 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. Accordingly, Pan American formed an agreement with Dassault to distribute the Mystère 20 in the western hemisphere; the firm placed an initial order for 40 aircraft along with options for a further 120. On 10 July 1964, the re-engined aircraft made its first flight. On 1 January 1965, the first production aircraft performed its maiden flight; in June 1965, both French and American [[type certification]]s were awarded. On 10 June 1965, French aviator [[Jacqueline Auriol]] achieved the women's world speed record using the first Mystère 20 prototype, having flown at an average recorded speed of 859&nbsp;km/h over a distance of 1000&nbsp;km.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}

Deliveries of the type soon commenced to Pan American's outfitting facility at [[Burbank Airport]], [[California]]. All non-American aircraft were fitted out prior to delivery at [[Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport|Bordeaux-Merignac]]. During 1966, the company redesignated the American-delivered aircraft as the ''Fan Jet Falcon''; this was subsequently shortened to the ''Falcon 20''. During 1967, Pan Am Business Jets Division decided to increase their firm orders for the type to 160 Falcon 20s. Military orders for the type were quickly received from Australia, the U.S., and Canada, in addition those placed by France.

In 1973, FedEx's Falcons, designation FA-20-DC, cost $1.2 million each and were modified with a 55-by-74.5-inch forward cargo door with independent power supply, higher mtow, reinforced floor, plugged windows, and bigger brakes.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-05-01/falcon-20-je-suis-une-legende | title=Falcon 20: Je Suis Une Légende }}</ref>

===Further development===
A number of Falcon 20s that had been originally powered by CF700 engines were later re-engined with  [[Garrett TFE731]] engines under AMD-BA Service Bulletin No. 731.<ref>[http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/a25e4b6f73098c31862576fd0060e179/$FILE/A7eu.pdf "FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet A7EU."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115000903/http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/a25e4b6f73098c31862576fd0060e179/$FILE/A7eu.pdf |date=15 November 2016 }} [[Federal Aviation Administration]], Retrieved: 26 June 2011.</ref> To distinguish these re-engined aircraft from those still using the original powerplant, they were redesignated with a "-5" suffix inserted after the model number. Volpar Inc. was involved in a program to re-engine the Falcon 20 with the [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW300|Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305]] engines;<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1990/1990%20-%201397.html "PW305s Ordered for Falcon 20 Upgrade."] ''Flight International'', 16–22 May 1990, Vol. 137, No. 4216. p. 19. Retrieved: 26 June 2011.</ref> however, work on the program was abandoned before a [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA) STC was awarded.<ref>[https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-2nd-circuit/1177536.html "Retrofit Partners v. Lucas Industries Inv."] ''caselaw.findlaw.com'', Retrieved: 26 June 2011.</ref>

[[File:Dassault Falcon 30 F-WAMD LEB 02.06.73 edited-2.jpg|thumb|right|The sole Falcon 30 30-seat aircraft, intended for airline use]]

An improved model of the aircraft, designated the ''Falcon 200'', was developed, which featured more advanced jet engines and other major improvements to increase range, capacity, and comfort.<ref>McClennan 1987, pp. 31–32, 34.</ref> The Falcon 200, along with the Falcon 20G and HU-25 models, were powered by a pair of [[Garrett ATF3]] engines. According to the magazine ''Flying'', the Falcon 200 variant was more comparable to the newer [[Dassault Falcon 50|Falcon 50]] [[trijet]] than the original Falcon 20 model.<ref name = "mac 34">McClennan 1987, p. 34.</ref>

Due to its popularity, Dassault studied and worked upon various variants and extensive derivatives of the Falcon 20. Later-built developments of the type include the smaller [[Dassault Falcon 10|Falcon 10]]; the larger 30-seat ''Falcon 30'' with a larger fuselage cross section, which was built and test flown, but did not proceed to production; and the [[Dassault Falcon 50|Falcon 50]], an improved three-engined development. The Falcon 20 proved to be so popular that production was not terminated until 1988, when it had been superseded by more advanced developments of the Falcon family. A total of 473 Falcon 20s and 35 Falcon 200s had been constructed by the end of the type's production.<ref name="Janes up94 p54">Michell 1994, p. 54.</ref>

During 2013, the FAA modified 14 CFR part 91 rules to prohibit the operation of jets weighing 75,000 pounds or less that were not Stage 3 noise compliant after 31 December 2015. The Falcon 20 was listed explicitly in Federal Register [http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/FR-2013-07-02/2013-15843/content-detail.html 78 FR 39576]. Any examples of the type that had not been modified, either by the installation of Stage 3 noise-compliant engines or have had [[hush kit]]s installed upon noncompliant engines, were no longer permitted to fly anywhere in the [[Contiguous United States|contiguous 48 states]] after 31 December 2015. However, ''14 CFR §91.883 Special flight authorizations for jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less'' – lists special flight authorizations that may be granted for operation after 31 December 2015.{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}

==Design==
[[File:PAF 24 Blinders Squadron Dassault Falcon DA-20 cockpit1.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a [[Pakistan Air Force]] Falcon 20]]

The Dassault Falcon 20 is a French business jet, often considered to be an easy to fly and relatively visually appealing aircraft.<ref name = "mac 31 32">McClennan 1987, pp. 31–32.</ref> The favourable flight qualities of the aircraft meant that no need existed to incorporate a [[stick pusher]] or stall-barrier systems to achieve its predictable stall behaviour.<ref name = "mac 34"/> The flight controls of the Falcon 20 are [[hydraulics|hydraulically]] powered, augmenting the mechanical pushrods between the cockpit controls and the [[flight control surfaces]].<ref name = "mac 34"/> In the event of complete hydraulic failure, the aircraft can be practically flown without any augmentation. The controls incorporate an [[Aircraft flight control system#Artificial feel devices|artificial feel system]], optimising the sensations perceivable to the operating pilot to be smooth, predictable, and precise.<ref name = "mac 34 35">McClennan 1987, pp. 34–35.</ref> On the Falcon 200, the cockpit is heavily modernised, being more comparable with the newer Falcon 50 than the original Falcon 20.<ref name = "mac 34 35"/>

The Falcon 20 is powered by a pair of rear-mounted turbofan engines; most commonly powered by a pair of [[General Electric CF700]] engines, the type has also been powered by alternative powerplants, including the Garrett TFE731 and  ATF3 engines.<ref name = "mac 32 34">McClennan 1987, pp. 32, 34.</ref> The adoption of newer engines often had the benefit of improving the Falcon 20's range in addition to increased speed and climb rate; this, in combination with its low-drag fuselage, required more careful speed planning than the majority of business jets. On some models, protection against engine conditions such as instances of over-speed and over-heating is provided by electronic flight computers, as is the aircraft's 'throttle-lock' power management system to maintain safe levels of engine power throughout climbs without any crew commands.<ref name = "mac 34 36">McClennan 1987, pp. 34–36.</ref> As conventional [[Thrust reversal|thrust reversers]] are not compatible with the location of the engines, an alternative configuration in the form of rotatable doors fixed to the outer cowling of the engine partially cover both the engine fan and core exhaust, deflecting thrust upwards and forwards.<ref name = "mac 35 36">McClennan 1987, pp. 35–36.</ref>

The Falcon 20 is furnished with a highly [[swept wing]]; it is equipped with [[leading-edge slat]]s to improve its slow speed performance and decrease the [[Stall (fluid mechanics)|stalling]] speed.<ref name = "mac 34"/> When approaching a high angle of attack, the slats are automatically deployed; when nearing a potential stall, the inner section of the slats then retract to provide for a stable and predictable stall with effective [[aileron]] controls throughout. On the Falcon 200 model, the wing was re-profiled for improved low-speed performance and shortened runway requirements, as well as the addition of an unusual [[wing root]] fillet section and a shortened [[wing fence]]; the development of an entirely new wing was under consideration at one point, but the improved performance was not viewed to justify the expense.<ref name = "mac 34"/> While [[Air brake (aeronautics)|air brakes]] are present upon the wing, these are less smooth and more noisy than the use of the dual-brake arrangement upon the [[landing gear]]. For ease of movement on the ground, a fully steerable nosewheel is incorporated and is controlled from the captain's position in the cockpit.<ref name = "mac 35">McClennan 1987, p. 35.</ref>

Supplemental Type Certificate SA5858SW, issued by the American [[Federal Aviation Administration]] (FAA), and held by Falcon Jet Corporation allows for the installation of underwing [[hardpoint|pylons]] upon the Fan Jet Falcon, Fan Jet Falcon Series D and Fan Jet Falcon Series E. This modification has been commonly used upon those Falcon 20s which have been operated as special mission aircraft, which would often make use of underwing stores.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220819112213/https://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgstc.nsf/0/787535DFC69EA5BA85256CC200122C02?OpenDocument&Highlight=falcon%20pylon "FAA STC SA5858SW Installation of wing pylons and underwing stores."] ''Federal Aviation Administration'', Retrieved: 3 July 2011.</ref> Substantial numbers of Falcon 20s were converted into cargo-carrying configurations; a [[hydraulics|hydraulically]]-operated cargo door served to simplify loading-unloading operations.<ref name = "frock 45-46">Frock 2006, p. 45-46.</ref> According to Flying Magazine, upon its launch, the Falcon 200 model had the largest cabin of any mid-size business jet. Additionally, the rear fuselage of the Falcon 200 was re-designed to accommodate a 28-cubic foot baggage compartment within the tailcone, which supplements the standard aft cabin baggage compartment.<ref name = "mac 35 36"/>

==Operational history==
[[File:FedEx Dassault Falcon 20.JPG|thumb|[[FedEx Express|Federal Express]] Falcon 20 N8FE (cn199) with custom 6' wide cargo door on display at the Smithsonian]]

===Commercial, corporate, and private use===
While sales in the North American market was initially strong, sales were negatively impacted by the [[Recession of 1969–70]], which led to excess unsold Falcon 20 aircraft temporarily building up while Pan American Business Jets Division sought sales of the type.<ref name = "two jets 20"/> By late 1973, American sales had recovered while responsibility for sales had been transferred to the Falcon Jet Corporation, an organisation jointly staffed by Pan American and Dassault personnel in which Dassault became the pre-dominant partner in the venture. Additionally, by this point, Dassault were already preparing for the launch of a smaller and improved derivative of the aircraft onto the market, which was marketed as the [[Dassault Falcon 10]].<ref name = "two jets 20"/>

During the late 1950s and early 1970s, aviation businessman [[Frederick W. Smith]] was seeking an ideal aircraft with which to launch his new business, [[FedEx Express|Federal Express]]; Smith soon identified the Falcon 20 as showing promise for his purposes, noting the availability of unsold aircraft due to an economic downturn and its atypically strong fuselage, the latter factor lending itself well to cargo operations.<ref name = "frock 12">Frock 2006, p. 12.</ref> Despite difficulties securing the necessary finances, the fledgling company was able to acquire several Falcon 20s and convert them for cargo operations.<ref>Frock 2006, pp. 21, 93–96, 157–158.</ref> Originally, Federal Express intended for its Falcon 20s to be delivered post-conversion, as a consequence of funding issues, the aircraft were acquired in handfuls and independently converted from their initial passenger-carrying configuration to support their use for cargo operations.<ref>Frock 2006, pp. 71–72, 158.</ref> In September 1972, Federal Express established an in-house training school, focused on the preparation of ex-military pilots for commercial operations using the Falcon.<ref name = "frock 48">Frock 2006, p. 48.</ref>

In April 1973, Federal Express commenced its air express package delivery service using Falcon 20s out of its distribution centre in [[Memphis, Tennessee|Memphis]], [[Tennessee]].<ref name = "frock xi">Frock 2006, p. xi.</ref> By its third year of operation, the airline had established a nationwide network using the Falcon 20 as its principal aircraft and had become profitable; as a consequence of rapidly increasing demands, it was recognised around this point that the introduction of larger cargo aircraft to supplement the type would soon be necessary in order to expand.<ref name = "frock 159 160">Frock 2006, pp. 159–160.</ref> At the height of its use of the type, Federal Express operated a fleet of 33 Falcon 20s. The type was eventually withdrawn following is gradual replacement by substantially larger aircraft, the first of these being the [[Boeing 727|Boeing 727-100]].<ref name = "frock 160 162">Frock 2006, pp. 160–162.</ref> The Falcon 20 which had carried the first Federal Express air express package has since been placed on static display at the [[Smithsonian]]'s [[Udvar-Hazy Center]] at [[Dulles Airport]].<ref>[http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?object=nasm_A19830302000 "Dassault Falcon 20."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714171529/http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?object=nasm_A19830302000 |date=14 July 2014 }} ''Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.'' Retrieved: 13 July 2014.</ref><ref name = "frock 215">Frock 2006, p. 215.</ref>

===U.S. Coast Guard===
[[File:Dassault HU-25C Guardian (20G), USA - Coast Guard AN0617966.jpg|thumb|A USCG HU-25C Guardian, 2004]]
The [[United States Coast Guard]] (USCG) operated a model of the Falcon 20, designated as the HU-25 Guardian. The Guardian was operated as a high-speed spotter aircraft to locate shipwreck survivors and direct slower-moving aircraft and rescue vessels, and to interdict aerial and shipborne [[drug trafficking]]. In 1982, the first HU-25 was delivered to the USCG;<ref name = "dorr 20"/> by December 1983, a total of 41 aircraft had been acquired. In USCG service, the HU-25 was eventually succeeded in its role by the [[EADS HC-144 Ocean Sentry]], a newer [[turboprop]]-powered aircraft.<ref>[http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg7/cg711/hu25.asp "HU-25: Guardian."] ''Office of Aviation Forces (CG-711).'' Retrieved: 13 July 2014.</ref><ref name = "dorr 20"/>

Operationally, the HU-25 played a key role in the service's actitives in search and rescue, counter drug missions; it had also been a critical asset deployed during the 1991 [[Gulf War]].<ref name = "kptv retire">[http://www.kptv.com/story/22746149/coast-guard-jets-final-landing-place-the-oregon-coast "Coast Guard jet's final landing place: The Oregon coast."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228184811/http://www.kptv.com/story/22746149/coast-guard-jets-final-landing-place-the-oregon-coast |date=28 December 2014 }} ''kptv.com'', Retrieved: 21 July 2017.</ref> Initial models of the HU-25 were delivered to the HU-25A standard; a number were later modified to become HU-25Bs, which were equipped with sensors capable of detecting oil spills and other environmental pollutants.<ref name = "dorr 20"/> Further numbers were re-configured to the HU-25C standard, for improved performance in the drug interdiction mission; when equipped with newer [[AN/APG-66(V)2]] and [[AN/APS-143B(V)3]] radar systems, these became the HU-25C+ and HU-25D respectively.<ref name = "dorr 20"/> On 26 September 2014, following 32 years of service, the last operational HU-25 Falcon, the only jet ever to be a part of the operational air fleet of the US Coast Guard, was retired.<ref name = "kptv retire"/> The high-speed capability it provided was lost with the type's retirement due to its replacements being considerably slower aircraft.<ref name=fta>[http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-coast-guard-bids-a-sad-farewell-to-their-last-hu-25-1639419271 "The Coast Guard Bids A Sad Farewell To Their Last HU-25 Guardian Jet."] ''Foxtrot Alpha'', Retrieved: 21 July 2017.</ref>

===Aerial testbeds===
In 1988 the [[United States Coast Guard]] tested a Falcon 20C (tail-number N200GT) using [[Garrett TFE1042]] [[afterburner]]s. This required adding a titanium heat shield to the tail due to the engine mount position.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atf3.org/Photos.html |title=Photo's & Graphics |work=The Garrett AiResearch ATF3 Online Museum}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl1tzsLlUAo  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/Jl1tzsLlUAo |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=The First and Only Business Jet with an Afterburner |date=2020-07-23 |publisher=Dark Footage}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldmilitair.com/serials/serials%20d/das%20010%200602%20ser.pdf |title=Dassault Falcon 20/200 |work=World of Military Aviation |quote=Manufacturers Serial Number: 137; Version: Dassault Falcon 20C; Serial Number: N200GT |access-date=2 February 2021 |archive-date=8 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208054135/http://www.worldmilitair.com/serials/serials%20d/das%20010%200602%20ser.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 1990, the [[United States Air Force]] acquired N20NY (cn 61), a Falcon 20C, for use as a testbed at [[Lincoln Laboratory|MIT Lincoln Laboratory]].<ref>[http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N20NY FAA Registry for N20NY] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114409/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N20NY |date=26 August 2014 }} Retrieved 22 August 2014.</ref> In 2006, the USAF also acquired Coast Guard HU-25A 2125, registered as N448TB (cn 439), for use at Lincoln Laboratory.<ref>[http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N448TB "FAA Registry for N448TB."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120636/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N448TB |date=26 August 2014 }} ''Federal Aviation Administration'', Retrieved: 22 August 2014.</ref> Sometime in the mid to late 2000s, N20NY was retired and donated to a local community college, with N448TB also being retired and donated to the same school in June, 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.capecod.com/newscenter/4cs-to-receive-donated-falconjet-aircraft-at-plymouth-municipal-airport/ | title=4Cs Aviation Program to Receive Donated Aircraft | date=7 June 2022 }}</ref>

In 2011, [[NASA]] acquired a former Coast Guard HU-25C for use in [[Operation IceBridge]]. The aircraft, based at NASA's [[Langley Research Center]] in [[Hampton, Virginia]], is equipped with a scanning [[laser altimeter]] to collect data on [[Arctic]] surface topography.<ref>[http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/icebridge/news/spr12/hu25c-lvis.html "NASA Langley Aircraft Joins Operation IceBridge."] ''NASA Langley Research Center.'' Retrieved: 13 July 2014.</ref>

During November 2012, a Falcon 20 became the first civil jet in the world to fly on 100 per cent [[biofuel]] when it performed a test flight for Canada's [[National Research Council (Canada)|National Research Council]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NRC Flies World's First Civil Jet Powered by 100 Percent Biofuel |url=http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=a3309cef-59ee-4742-8f24-bb7d39a86cf8 |website=Aero-news Network |access-date=21 November 2012 |date=7 November 2012}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Dassault Falcon 20DC Bancjet Burbank CA 09.86.jpg|thumb|right|Falcon 20DC freighter of Bancjet Systems at [[Burbank Airport|Burbank airport]] near Los Angeles in September 1986. Note deleted cabin windows]]
[[File:Dassault Falcon 20E, Belgium - Air Force JP6926350.jpg|thumb|A [[Belgian Air Force]] Falcon 20E, August 2010]]
[[File:hu-25.jpg|thumb|right|A USCG HU-25 Guardian]]

;Mystère/Falcon 20
:Prototype, one built. F-WLKB, initially powered by two {{cvt|3300|lbf|kN|2|order=flip}} [[Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8]] [[turbojet]] engines. Now stored at Musée Air et Espace Aéroport Paris – Le Bourget.
;Mystère/Falcon 20C
:Initial production version, with lengthened fuselage compared to first prototype and with 10–12 seats. Powered by {{convert|4200|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} CF700-2B engines.<ref name="jawa65p412">Taylor 1965, pp. 41–42</ref><ref name="simp167">Simpson 1995, p. 167</ref>
;Falcon 20CC (s/n 073)
:Modified Falcon 20C, with modifications for unpaved runway operations (larger wheels, low-pressure tyres, reinforced belly skin, and deleted main gear doors).
;Mystère/Falcon 20D
:Higher thrust engines ([[General Electric CF700-2D]]) and lower fuel consumption and more fuel capacity.
;Mystère/Falcon 20E
:Higher thrust engines ([[General Electric CF700-2D-2]]), higher [[Maximum Zero-Fuel Weight|zero fuel weight]].
;{{visible anchor|Mystère/Falcon 20F}}
:Full [[leading-edge droop flap]]s and more fuel capacity.
;Falcon 20FH
:This was the original designation of the Falcon 200 prototype.
;Falcon 20G
:Maritime patrol and surveillance version, equipped with two [[Garrett AiResearch]] [[Garrett ATF3|ATF3-6-2C]] turbofan engines.
;Falcon 20H
:This was the original designation of the Falcon 200.<ref name="JAWA88 p73-4"/>
;{{visible anchor|Falcon 200}}
:Improved variant, powered by two 2360-kg (5,200-lb) [[Garrett ATF3-6A-4C]] turbofan engines and with more fuel. First flown on 30 April 1980.<ref name="JAWA88 p73-4">Taylor 1988, pp. 73–74.</ref>
;Falcon ST
:This designation was given to two Falcon 20s used by the [[French Air Force]] as systems training aircraft. The aircraft were equipped with the combat radar and navigation systems of the [[Dassault Mirage III]]E.
;HU-25A Guardian
:[[United States Coast Guard]] version of the Falcon 20G. 41 built. Equipped with two [[Garrett AiResearch]] [[Garrett ATF3-6-2C]] turbofan engines.<ref name="Kam p108">Kaminski 2007, p.108.</ref>
;HU-25B Guardian
:Pollution control version for the US Coast Guard equipped with side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) under fuselage. Seven converted from HU-25As.<ref name="Kam p109">Kaminski 2007, p. 109.</ref>
;HU-25C Guardian
:Drug interdiction version for the US Coast Guard, equipped with a Westinghouse [[APG-66]] search radar and WF-360 [[Forward looking infrared]] turret. Nine HU-25As converted.<ref name="Kam p110">Kaminski 2007, p. 110.</ref>
;HU-25C+ Guardian
:Upgrade of HU-25C, with improved [[AN/APG-66(V)2]] radar and new FLIR turret. All nine HU-25Cs converted.<ref name="Kam p110-1">Kaminski 2007, pp. 110–111.</ref>
;HU-25D Guardian
:Upgraded HU-25A, with [[AN/APS-143B(V)3]] [[Inverse synthetic aperture radar]] (ISAR) and same FLIR as HU-25C+. 15 upgraded.<ref name="Kam p111-2">Kaminski 2007, pp. 111–112.</ref>
;Guardian 2
:Maritime patrol and surveillance version of the Falcon 200. Never put into production.
;CC-117
:Canadian military designation of Falcon 20C from 1970.
;{{visible anchor|Fan Jet Falcon}}
:The Falcon 20 was marketed in North America under this name.
;Falcon Cargo Jet (Falcon 20DC)
:Conversion of Falcon 20 to light cargo aircraft. Large numbers purchased/converted by [[Federal Express]] for overnight courier service.<ref name="Janes 80 p65">Taylor 1980, p.65.</ref>
;Falcon 20C-5, 20D-5, 20E-5, 20F-5
:Falcon 20 aircraft equipped with [[Garrett TFE731|Garrett TFE731-5AR-2C]] or [[Garrett TFE731|TFE731-5BR-2C]] engines. Also includes adaptation of bleed air, anti-ice, hydraulic, fuel, electrical and engine control systems and installation of ATTCS (automatic takeoff thrust control system).
; [[Dassault Falcon 30|Falcon 30]]
: Enlarged, 30-passenger commuter airliner derivative of Falcon 20, powered by two {{convert|6070|lbf|kN|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Lycoming ALF 502]]D turbofans. One prototype built, first flying on 11 May 1973. No further production of Falcon 30 or proposed 40-passenger, shorter-range '''Mystére 40-100'''.<ref name="jawa74pp656">Taylor 1974, pp. 65–66</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=FALCON 30-40 |website=Dassault Aviation |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/fr/passion/avions/dassault-civils/falcon-30-40/ |access-date=25 March 2023}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:French Navy Dassault Falcon 20G CBR Gilbert.jpg|thumb|A [[French Navy]] Falcon 20G in 2009]]
[[File:dassault.falcon20.g-frak.arp.jpg|thumb|A FR Aviation Falcon 20D in 2006]]
[[File:053 Dassault Falcon F.20 5B-ECM Royal Norwegian Air Force (8582481334).jpg|thumb|A [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] Falcon 20]]
[[File:TM11-3-DassaultFalcon.jpg|thumb|A [[Spanish Air Force]] Falcon 20D in 1981]]
[[File:A IRIAF Dassault Falcon 20 lands at Mehrabad Airport.jpg|thumb|An [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]] Falcon 20 in 2009]]
[[File:Pakistan Air Force No 24 Blinders Squadron Falcon DA-20 left side1.jpg|thumb|A [[Pakistan Air Force]] Falcon DA-20 [[Electronic warfare|EW]], [[Electronic countermeasures|ECM]], [[Electronic Support Measures|ESM]] aircraft]]

===Current civilian operators===
; {{USA}}
* [[USA Jet Airlines]]
* Alliance Air Charter
* [[Kalitta Charters]]
* [[Ameristar Jet Charter]]
* IFL Group Inc.
* Sierra West Airlines

; {{MEX}}
* Private

; {{UK}}
* [[Draken International|Draken Europe]] (formerly FR Aviation/[[Cobham Limited]])<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donald |first=David |title=Draken Buys Cobham's Falcon Fleet; ATAC Lands Eglin Deal |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2020-09-30/draken-buys-cobhams-falcon-fleet-atac-lands-eglin-deal |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=Aviation International News |language=en}}</ref>

; {{FRA}}
* Aerovision
* Service des avions français instrumentés pour la recherche en environnement

;  {{GER}}
* [[German Aerospace Center]]

;  {{RSA}}
* Guardian Air

;  {{AUS}}
* FalconAir

;  {{CAN}}
* [[Air Nunavut]]
* [[National Research Council Canada#Flight_dynamics|National Research Council]]

===Former civilian operators===
;{{flag|Nigeria}}
* Imani Aviation (defunct charter company)
; {{USA}}
* [[Pan American World Airways|Pan Am]]
* [[Grand Aire Express]]
* [[Phoenix Air (USA)|Phoenix Air]]
* [[Fedex Express]]
* Ameriflight/California Air Charter

===Current military operators===
; {{DJI}}
* [[Djibouti Air Force]]
; {{EGY}}
* [[Egyptian Air Force]]
; {{FRA}}
* [[French Navy]]
; {{IRN}}
* [[History of the Iranian Air Force|Imperial Iranian Air Force]], later [[Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force]] as well as [[Islamic Republic of Iran Army Aviation]]
* [[History of the Iranian Navy|Imperial Iranian Navy]], later [[Islamic Republic of Iran Navy]] ([[Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Aviation|Navy Aviation]])
* [[Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps]]
; {{JPN}}
* [[Japan Coast Guard]]
; {{PAK}}
* [[Pakistan Air Force]] – 3 in service, including 2 DA-20s in [[Electronic warfare|EW]], [[Electronic countermeasures|ECM]], [[Electronic Support Measures|ESM]] roles
; {{ESP}}
* [[Spanish Air and Space Force]]
; {{SDN}}
* [[Sudanese Air Force]]
; {{SYR}}
* [[Syrian Air Force]]
; {{TUN}}
* [[Tunisian Air Force]]
; {{VEN}}
* [[Venezuelan Air Force]]

===Former military operators===
; {{DZA}}
; {{AGO}}
; {{AUS}}
* [[Royal Australian Air Force]] – Three in service from 1967 to 1989.<ref name="Wilson">{{cite book|last1=Wilson|first1=Stewart|title=Military Aircraft of Australia|date=1994|publisher=Aerospace Publications|location=Weston Creek, Australia|isbn=1875671080|pages=216}}</ref>
** [[No. 34 Squadron RAAF]]
; {{BEL}}
* [[Belgian Air Component]] – 2 Falcon 20E-5 operated from 1973 as VIP aircraft. Retired 22 December 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine | last=Gaudin |first=Gerard |title=Graceful Retirement |magazine=[[Air International]] |date=February 2017 |volume=92 |issue=2 |page=17 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref>
; {{CAN}}
* [[Royal Canadian Air Force]]
* [[Canadian Forces]]
** [[412 Transport Squadron]] and [[No. 414 Squadron RCAF]] 1970–1989 as CC-117
; {{CAF}}
; {{CHL}}
* [[Chilean Navy]]
; {{FRA}}
* [[French Air Force]]
; {{GNB}}
* [[Guinea-Bissau Air Force]]
; {{CIV}}
; {{JOR}}
* [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]
* Jordanian Royal Flight
; {{LBN}}
* [[Lebanese Air Force]]
; {{LBY}}
* [[Libyan Air Force (1951-2011)|Libyan Air Force]] (Mirage Weapons Trainer)
; {{MAR}}
* [[Royal Moroccan Air Force]]
; {{NOR}}
* [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] 
** 717 Squadron - the remaining two planes 041 Hugin and 053 Munin were retired in September 2022, following a farewell flight over large parts of Southern Norway.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/i/Xbqb5r/i-dag-tok-dette-flyet-sin-siste-tur-blant-annet-over-stavanger | title=I dag tok dette flyet sin siste tur - blant annet over Stavanger | date=30 September 2022 }}</ref> Their duties will be taken over by the new F-35A and P-8 Poseidon planes being delivered to the RNoAF <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forsvaret.no/aktuelt-og-presse/aktuelt/50.000-timer-med-da-20?q=DA-20 | title=På hemmelige oppdrag verden rundt }}</ref>
; {{flag|Nicaragua}}
* [[Nicaraguan Air Force]]
; {{OMN}}
* Oman Royal Flight
; {{PAN}}
* [[Panamanian Public Forces]]
; {{PER}}
* [[Peruvian Air Force]]
; {{PRT}}
* [[Portuguese Air Force]]
; {{RSA}}
* [[South African Air Force]]
; {{USA}}
* [[United States Coast Guard]]

==Specifications (Falcon 20F)==
[[File:The Dassault Falcon 20 (2480971682).jpg|thumb|Interior of a Falcon 20]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Janes's All The World's Aircraft 1980–81<ref>Taylor 1980, pp. 63–64.</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|genhide=

|crew=2
|capacity=8–14 passengers
|length m=17.15
|length ft=
|length in=
|span m=16.30
|span ft=
|span in=
|height m=5.32
|height ft=
|height in=
|wing area sqm=41.00
|wing area sqft=
|aspect ratio=6.4:1
|empty weight kg=7530
|empty weight lb=
|max takeoff weight kg=13000
|gross weight lb=
|fuel capacity={{convert|5200|L|impgal USgal|abbr=on}}
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[General Electric CF700]]-2D-2
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]]s
|eng1 kn=20<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->

<!--
        Performance
-->
|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=862
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=at {{convert|7620|m|ft|abbr=on}} (max cruise)
|cruise speed kmh=750
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed note=at {{convert|12200|m|ft|abbr=on}} (econ. cruise)
|stall speed kmh=152
|range km=3350
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|ceiling m=12800
|ceiling note=(absolute ceiling) 
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=
|more performance=

|avionics=
}}

==Popular culture==
<!-- ===============({{NoMoreCruft}})===============-->
<!-- Please READ [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content#Popular culture]] and [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Military history/Style guide#Popular culture]] before adding any "Popular culture" items.

Please do not add the many minor appearances of the aircraft. This section is only for major cultural appearances where the aircraft plays a MAJOR part in the story line, or has an "especially notable" role in what is listed. A verifiable source proving the appearance's notability may be required. Random cruft, including ALL Ace Combat, Battlefield, and Metal Gear Solid appearances, and ALL anime/fiction lookalike speculation, WILL BE removed.

If your item has been removed, please discuss it on the talk page FIRST. A verifiable source proving the appearance's notability may be required. If a consensus is reached to include your item, a regular editor of this page will add it back. Thank you for your cooperation.-->
* The Mystère 20 prototype was also featured in the 1966 comedy ''[[How to Steal a Million]]'', starring [[Audrey Hepburn]] and [[Peter O'Toole]].{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Dassault Falcon 10]]
* [[Dassault Falcon 30]]
* [[Dassault Falcon 50]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Raytheon Hawker 800]]
|lists=
* [[List of civil aircraft]]
|see also=
}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Chillon |first1=Jacques |last2=Dubois |first2=Jean-Pierre |last3=Wegg |first3=John |title=French Post-War Transport Aircraft |date=1980 |publisher=Air-Britain |location=Tonbridge, UK |isbn=0-85130-078-2|name-list-style=amp}}
* {{cite book |last=Dorr |first=Robert F. |title=365 Aircraft You Must Fly |year=2015 |publisher=Voyageur Press|isbn=978-0-7603-4763-8}}.
* {{cite book |last=Frock|first=Roger |title=Changing How the World Does Business: Fedex's Incredible Journey to Success – The Inside Story|publisher=Berrett-Koehler Publishers |location=Birmingham, Alabama, USA|year=2006| isbn=1-5767-5880-X}}.
* {{cite book |last= Gates |first= Brian |title= Falcon Mystere 20 Production History |year= 1978 |publisher= Midland Counties Publications |location= Leicester, England |isbn=0-904597-12-1 }}
* {{cite web |title=HU-25 "Guardian" Medium Range Surveillance Aircraft |work=Aircraft and Cutters |publisher=U.S. Coast Guard |date=16 February 2007 |url=http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/hu-25.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061228235058/http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/hu-25.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 December 2006 }}
* {{cite magazine|last1= Kaminski|first1=Tom |year= 2007 |title=Dassault HU-25: The Coast Guard's Guardian |magazine=International Air Power Review |publisher=AIRtime Publishing |location=Westport, Connecticut, USA |volume=22 |pages=102–115 |issn=1473-9917 |isbn=978-1-880588-79-6 }}
* {{cite magazine |last=McClennan |first=J. Mac. |title=French Bred - Dassault Falcon 200: Not just a Pretty Face |magazine=[[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] |date=April 1987 |volume=114 |issue=4 |pages=30–36 |issn=0015-4806 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EXsyhh7p61UC}}
* {{cite book |last=Simpson |first=R. W. |title=Airlife's General Aviation |edition=Second |year=1995 |location=Shrewsbury, UK |publisher=Airlife Publishing Ltd |isbn=1-85310-577-5}} 
* {{cite book |last= Michell|first=Simon |title= Jane's Civil and Military Aircraft Upgrades 1994–95 |year= 1994 |publisher= Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon, UK |isbn= 0-7106-1208-7 }}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=John W. R. |editor-link=John W. R. Taylor |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1965–66 |year=1965 |location=New York |publisher=McGraw-Hill Book Company }}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=John W. R. |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1974–75 |year=1974 |location=New York |publisher=Frankin Watts Inc. |isbn=0-531-02747-3}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=John W. R. |title= Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1980–81 |year= 1980|publisher= Jane's Publishing |location=London |isbn= 0-7106-0705-9 }}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Taylor |editor-first=John W. R. |title= Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1988–89 |year= 1988 |publisher= Jane's Defence Data |location=Coulsdon, UK |isbn= 0-7106-0867-5 }}
* {{cite web |title = Collections Prototypes: Dassault Mystère 20 01 F-WLKB Musée Air et Espace Aéroport Paris – Le Bourget |work = Dassault Mystère 20 01 F-WLKB |publisher = Musée Air et Espace Aéroport Paris – Le Bourget |date = 19 April 2010 |url = http://www.museeairespace.fr/c/p/mystere-20-f-wlkb/presentation/}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Dassault Falcon 20}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111210072908/http://www.paffalcons.com/gallery/falcon20/index.php Dassault Falcon 20 (ELINT/ECM)]
* [http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/falcon-20-f5-costs-lot-maintain-retains-mystique Used Falcons] [https://web.archive.org/web/20150422214256/http://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/falcon-20-f5-costs-lot-maintain-retains-mystique Archive]

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[[Category:Dassault aircraft|Falcon 0020]]
[[Category:1960s French business aircraft]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1963]]
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