Dassault Aviation, a major player in the private jet sector, has roots dating back to 1929. Initially founded as Société des Avions Marcel Bloch by Marcel Bloch, the company began as a design firm for a tri-engine mail carrier. Although this initial design did not enter production, it was later adapted for military use by the French army. Over the decades, Dassault has expanded its expertise in military aviation, producing aircraft like the Mystère and Mirage lineups and the Rafale fighter jet.
"Dassault's profits from its large presence in military aviation production allowed it to begin investing in the civilian aviation sector," with the Falcon family marking its entry into civil aviation. The Falcon 20, first introduced in 1963, was developed in collaboration with Breguet Aviation before being fully absorbed by Dassault. The Falcon series has since evolved, introducing models like the Falcon 50 with its distinctive tri-engine design.
The Falcon 900, first flown in 1984, is currently Dassault's oldest model still in production. It carries between 12 and 14 passengers and uses three Honeywell TFE731-60 engines. Variants of this model include the Falcon 900B, 900C, and others.