The manufacture and assembly of fuel-saving wingtips has for years been a core competence of FACC AG.
Now, with handover to Dassault Aviation of the first winglets for a Falcon 2000LX, an important milestone has been reached. FACC signed a contract with the French aircraft manufacturer for delivery of OEM winglets for the Falcon 2000LX and 900LX in April 2011, produced the winglets in a record time of three months and successfully completed initial sample testing.
In the course of a visit by representatives of Dassault Aviation, the two wingtips have been officially handed over today. In the next few days they will leave the FACC works in Ried for Bordeaux, France, to be installed into a Falcon 2000LX business jet there. "We are proud that Dassault Aviation has placed its trust in us and contracted with FACC as the winglet supplier for part of its modern Falcon family", says Walter Stephan, Chairman of FACC AG. "In the course of the rapid project implementation we were able to demonstrate our winglet competence and produce an innovative product for Dassault Aviation which will make a significant contribution to increasing the efficiency and environmental sustainability of its business jets. We see this as the foundation stone for a long-term partnership bringing advantages for both sides." In future FACC is to fit winglets to all aircraft of the Falcon 2000LX/900LX family leaving the Dassault final assembly line in France.
Following successful conclusion of the project introduction, FACC is currently working on successively increasing the monthly production rate to eight aircraft by November 2011. The components are produced in the FACC works in Ried im Innkreis, which is equipped to satisfy the requirements for high automation and short throughput time as well as using the lowest production area. Constant process and product optimisations ensure economic and efficient production. The project gives FACC the opportunity to further develop its role as specialist for the development and production of aerodynamic wingtips.
FACC also produces winglets for the Boeing 737-700/800/-900/-900ER, Boeing Business Jets and Boeing 757-200 as well as for the A350 XWB.
About Dassault Aviation
Dassault Aviation is a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across five continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as the complete line of Falcon business jets. The Group has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on multiple continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, more than 2,100 Falcon jets have been delivered to 67 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets - the Falcon 900LX, and the 7X - as well as the twin-engine 2000LX.
The Falcon 2000 business jets can transport 8 to 14 passengers, depending on seating configuration. The Falcon 2000EX has a range of 7,040 km. The Falcon 2000LX is a Falcon 2000EX that is equipped with Blended WingletsTM. The maximum range at a speed of mach 0.8 increases to 7,400 km.
The Falcon 900 business jets can transport 12 to 19 passengers, depending on seating configuration. The Falcon 900EX has a range of 8,340 km. The Falcon 900LX is a Falcon 900EX that is equipped with Blended WingletsTM. The maximum range at a speed of Mach 0.75 increases to 8,800 km. Further information can be found at www.dassaultfalcon.com.
About FACC
FACC AG is one of the world's leading companies in the development and production of advanced fiber reinforced composite components and systems for the aviation industry. Their range of products reaches from structural components for the fuselage and wings to engine components to complete passenger cabins for passenger planes and helicopters. FACC is a supplier to all large aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer and ACAC as well as for engine manufacturers and sub-suppliers of manufacturers.
In the business year of 2009/10, FACC achieved a turnover of 251.4 million Euros and employed an average of 1,529 employees. Further information can be found under
www.facc.at.