Dassault Falcon 20 vs Diamond DA40 Diamond Star

FORCETALLY

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Dassault Falcon 20 — licensed reference photograph

ASupport aircraft

Dassault Falcon 20

Business jet

Credit

Aeroprints.com · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source ↗ · Modified

BSupport aircraft

Diamond DA40 Diamond Star

Light aircraft

First system

Second system

At a glance

Side by side

Length comparisonOne shared metre scale

Dassault Falcon 20Falcon 20F · Length

17.15 m

Length source ↗

Diamond DA40 Diamond Star2007 model Diamond DA40 XL Diamond Star · Length

8.1 m

Length source ↗

Lengths retain their source configuration and measurement scope.

Measured figures

Head to head

20 of 33 rows sourced on both sides

17.15mFalcon 20F · Length

8.1m

LengthScopes differ

All recorded figures & sources

17.15 m

Falcon 20F · Length

Single source

17.15 m (56 ft 3 in)^[source]

8.1 m

2007 model Diamond DA40 XL Diamond Star · Length

Single source

Configuration

Details

Dassault Falcon 20 and Diamond DA40 Diamond Star configuration
Specification	Dassault Falcon 20	Diamond DA40 Diamond Star
Type	Business jet^[source]	Light aircraft^[source]
Manufacturer	Dassault Aviation^[source]	Diamond Aircraft Industries^[source]
Status	Out of production, in active service^[source]	In production^[source]
Primary users	Federal Express (formerly) French Navy United States Coast Guard

Number built	512^[source]	2,200 (December 2020)^[source]

Manufactured	1965–1991^[source]	1997–present^[source]

Introduction date	3 June 1965^[source]	—

First flight	4 May 1963^[source]	5 November 1997^[source]

Developed into	Dassault Falcon 10 Dassault Falcon 50^[source]	—

Capacity	8–14 passengers^[source]	three passengers^[source]

Aspect ratio	6.4:1^[source]	—

Fuel capacity	5,200 L (1,100 imp gal; 1,400 US gal)^[source]	—

Stall speed	152 km/h (94 mph, 82 kn)^[source]	91 km/h (57 mph, 49 kn) flaps down^[source]

Role	French business jet^[source]	Austrian four-seat, single-engine, light aircraft constructed^[source]

National origin	France^[source]	Austria^[source]

Source measurement	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 Second World War , developed a detailed request for a combined liaison / trainer aircraft, to be equipped with twin-turbofan engines. 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 . 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 14.68 kN (3,300 lbf) Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbojet engines.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Origins; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 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. 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 certifications 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 km/h over a distance of 1000 km.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Origins; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 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.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Origins; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 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. 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 Falcon 50 trijet than the original Falcon 20 model.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Further development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 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 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 kits installed upon noncompliant engines, were no longer permitted to fly anywhere in the 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.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Further development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Prototype, one built. F-WLKB, initially powered by two 14.68 kN (3,300 lbf) Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbojet engines. Now stored at Musée Air et Espace Aéroport Paris – Le Bourget.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Initial production version, with lengthened fuselage compared to first prototype and with 10–12 seats. Powered by 4,200 lbf (19 kN) CF700-2B engines.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Falcon 20CC (s/n 073)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Falcon 20G^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Falcon 20H^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage 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.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage United States Coast Guard version of the Falcon 20G. 41 built. Equipped with two Garrett AiResearch Garrett ATF3-6-2C turbofan engines.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Enlarged, 30-passenger commuter airliner derivative of Falcon 20, powered by two 27.0 kN (6,070 lbf) 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 .^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Pakistan Air Force – 3 in service, including 2 DA-20s in EW , ECM , ESM roles^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Operators / Current military operators; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Royal Australian Air Force – Three in service from 1967 to 1989. No. 34 Squadron RAAF^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Operators / Former military operators; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Capacity: 8–14 passengers^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Length: 17.15 m (56 ft 3 in)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Wingspan: 16.30 m (53 ft 6 in)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Height: 5.32 m (17 ft 5 in)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Wing area: 41.00 m 2 (441.3 sq ft)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Empty weight: 7,530 kg (16,601 lb)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Max takeoff weight: 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Powerplant: 2 × General Electric CF700 -2D-2 turbofans , 20 kN (4,500 lbf) thrust each^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Maximum speed: 862 km/h (536 mph, 465 kn) at 7,620 m (25,000 ft) (max cruise)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Cruise speed: 750 km/h (470 mph, 400 kn) at 12,200 m (40,000 ft) (econ. cruise)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Stall speed: 152 km/h (94 mph, 82 kn)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Range: 3,350 km (2,080 mi, 1,810 nmi)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage Service ceiling: 12,800 m (42,000 ft) (absolute ceiling)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage	In late 2006, the XL and FP models replaced the DA40-180. The FP replaced the fixed pitch propeller version of the 180 and the XL replaced the constant speed propeller version. The major difference between the new models and the 180 is the higher maximum cruise speeds. The DA40-XL is approximately four knots faster than the preceding DA40-180/G1000 with the two-blade Hartzell propeller and the "Speed Gear" option. The XL's speed increase is mostly due to the Powerflow exhaust system.^[source]Diamond DA40 Diamond Star · Development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage In October 2021, Diamond Aircraft announced an all- electric training variant, the eDA40, with initial flights scheduled for the second quarter of 2022 and EASA/FAA Part 23 certification expected in 2023. It should fly for 90 minutes, with a fast charge for 20 minutes turnarounds and operating costs 40% lower than piston aircraft.^[source]Diamond DA40 Diamond Star · Development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The DA40-XL has a constant speed propeller and is powered by a 180 hp (130 kW) Lycoming IO-360-M1A fuel injected engine. It has a maximum cruise speed of 147 kn (272 km/h; 169 mph), burning 9.2 gallons of Avgas per hour. Its maximum takeoff weight is 2,535 lb (1,150 kg).^[source]Diamond DA40 Diamond Star · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The DA40-F (marketed as the "FP") has a fixed pitch propeller, a 180 hp (130 kW) Lycoming O-360-A4M engine, which has a carburetor rather than fuel injection and a more basic interior, but is otherwise similar to the XL.^[source]Diamond DA40 Diamond Star · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage The DA40-TDI uses a Thielert "Centurion" 135 hp (101 kW) diesel engine and burns diesel or jet fuel . It has a constant speed propeller and FADEC (single lever) engine control. The Diesel DA40D is not certified in the US .

Source measurement

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 Second World War , developed a detailed request for a combined liaison / trainer aircraft, to be equipped with twin-turbofan engines. 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 . 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 14.68 kN (3,300 lbf) Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbojet engines.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Origins; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

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. 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 certifications 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 km/h over a distance of 1000 km.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Origins; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

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.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Origins; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

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. 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 Falcon 50 trijet than the original Falcon 20 model.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Further development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

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 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 kits installed upon noncompliant engines, were no longer permitted to fly anywhere in the 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.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Development / Further development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Prototype, one built. F-WLKB, initially powered by two 14.68 kN (3,300 lbf) Pratt & Whitney JT12A-8 turbojet engines. Now stored at Musée Air et Espace Aéroport Paris – Le Bourget.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Initial production version, with lengthened fuselage compared to first prototype and with 10–12 seats. Powered by 4,200 lbf (19 kN) CF700-2B engines.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Falcon 20CC (s/n 073)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Falcon 20G^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Falcon 20H^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

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.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

United States Coast Guard version of the Falcon 20G. 41 built. Equipped with two Garrett AiResearch Garrett ATF3-6-2C turbofan engines.^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Enlarged, 30-passenger commuter airliner derivative of Falcon 20, powered by two 27.0 kN (6,070 lbf) 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 .^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Pakistan Air Force – 3 in service, including 2 DA-20s in EW , ECM , ESM roles^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Operators / Current military operators; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Royal Australian Air Force – Three in service from 1967 to 1989. No. 34 Squadron RAAF^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Operators / Former military operators; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Capacity: 8–14 passengers^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Length: 17.15 m (56 ft 3 in)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Wingspan: 16.30 m (53 ft 6 in)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Height: 5.32 m (17 ft 5 in)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Wing area: 41.00 m 2 (441.3 sq ft)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Empty weight: 7,530 kg (16,601 lb)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Max takeoff weight: 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Powerplant: 2 × General Electric CF700 -2D-2 turbofans , 20 kN (4,500 lbf) thrust each^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum speed: 862 km/h (536 mph, 465 kn) at 7,620 m (25,000 ft) (max cruise)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Cruise speed: 750 km/h (470 mph, 400 kn) at 12,200 m (40,000 ft) (econ. cruise)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Stall speed: 152 km/h (94 mph, 82 kn)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Range: 3,350 km (2,080 mi, 1,810 nmi)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Service ceiling: 12,800 m (42,000 ft) (absolute ceiling)^[source]Dassault Falcon 20 · Specifications (Falcon 20F); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In late 2006, the XL and FP models replaced the DA40-180. The FP replaced the fixed pitch propeller version of the 180 and the XL replaced the constant speed propeller version. The major difference between the new models and the 180 is the higher maximum cruise speeds. The DA40-XL is approximately four knots faster than the preceding DA40-180/G1000 with the two-blade Hartzell propeller and the "Speed Gear" option. The XL's speed increase is mostly due to the Powerflow exhaust system.^[source]Diamond DA40 Diamond Star · Development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In October 2021, Diamond Aircraft announced an all- electric training variant, the eDA40, with initial flights scheduled for the second quarter of 2022 and EASA/FAA Part 23 certification expected in 2023. It should fly for 90 minutes, with a fast charge for 20 minutes turnarounds and operating costs 40% lower than piston aircraft.^[source]Diamond DA40 Diamond Star · Development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The DA40-XL has a constant speed propeller and is powered by a 180 hp (130 kW) Lycoming IO-360-M1A fuel injected engine. It has a maximum cruise speed of 147 kn (272 km/h; 169 mph), burning 9.2 gallons of Avgas per hour. Its maximum takeoff weight is 2,535 lb (1,150 kg).^[source]Diamond DA40 Diamond Star · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The DA40-F (marketed as the "FP") has a fixed pitch propeller, a 180 hp (130 kW) Lycoming O-360-A4M engine, which has a carburetor rather than fuel injection and a more basic interior, but is otherwise similar to the XL.^[source]Diamond DA40 Diamond Star · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The DA40-TDI uses a Thielert "Centurion" 135 hp (101 kW) diesel engine and burns diesel or jet fuel . It has a constant speed propeller and FADEC (single lever) engine control. The Diesel DA40D is not certified in the US .