Focus on Falcon 2000 MRA/MSA/Albatros

This new range of efficient and economical multi-role Falcon jet is designed for maritime reconnaissance and patrol missions.

This new range of efficient and economical multi-role Falcon jet, designed for maritime reconnaissance and patrol missions, has benefited from the skills and experience acquired by Dassault Aviation through previous maritime programs such as the Atlantique 2, Falcon 20/200, and Falcon 50M.

The Falcon 2000 MRA “Maritime Multi-Role Aircraft” is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance missions, anti-surface warfare, electronic warfare, and fleet training.

It delivers outstanding performance in all phases of flight and offers great operational flexibility. The Falcon 2000 MRA requires only a small crew and has a very minor logistics footprint. It can be easily deployed for overseas missions or to remote and isolated locations.

In March 2015, the Japanese Coast Guard selected the MSA maritime surveillance version of the Falcon 2000 MRA to renew its fleet. Deliveries of the six aircraft ordered were staggered until 2021.

At the end of 2020, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces initiated the “Albatros” maritime surveillance and intervention aircraft (AVSIMAR) program. This jet was derived from the Falcon 2000 MRA and is based on the Falcon 2000LXS. In accordance with the military programming law (LPM), the initial order is for 7 aircraft to be delivered starting in 2025, out of the planned total of 12.

The Falcon 2000 Albatros features a multifunction radar under the fuselage, a high-performance optronic turret, observation windows, an SAR (Search & Rescue) kit release system and dedicated communication systems.


Performances

Concept

The Falcon 2000 MRA concept was built on the experience gained from the following programs:

  • The “Atlantic” and “Atlantique” long-range maritime patrol aircraft delivered to five different Air Forces and Navies;
  • The family of Falcon jets modified for maritime surveillance missions is used by the French Navy but also by many foreign coastguard services.

Missions

The Falcon 2000 MRA can efficiently perform all—or some—of the following tasks and missions, depending on the equipment and sensors chosen by customers:

  • Search and Rescue (SAR),
  • Maritime Approach Control,
  • Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW),
  • Over-the-Horizon Target Acquisition and Designation (OTHT),
  • Surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and maritime traffic,
  • State Action at Sea (AEM),
  • Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR),
  • Electronic Intelligence (ELINT, SIGINT),
  • Military Force Training (target towing, threat simulations, etc.),
  • Environmental Protection,
  • Medical Evacuation,
  • Transportation of People and Light Equipment.

Characteristics

A TRIED-AND-TESTED AIRFRAME

The airframe of the Falcon 2000 has demonstrated its aerodynamic excellence, as well as its sturdiness under all skies and climates. To date, nearly 700 Falcon 2000 jets have been delivered and have logged more than 3.4 million flight hours.

Structural modifications have been applied to carry out all Maritime Safety and Reconnaissance missions:

  • Two winglets and four leading edge slats,
  • Large observation windows,
  • Marker launcher,
  • Lifeboat release system for SAR missions,
  • Multi-mode radar under the fuselage,
  • Retractable electro-optical turret,
  • Under-wing carrying stations designed for a wide variety of equipment (A/S missiles, towing equipment, electronic warfare simulation pods, etc.).

A MISSION SYSTEM OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD

The Falcon 2000 MRA’s mission system enables it to carry out the various tasks entrusted to a multi-mission aircraft efficiently with a smaller crew, via automated functions and analysis processes.

In its basic configuration, it includes:

  • A multi-mode, long-range A/S radar with specific air-sea modes,
  • A retractable electro-optical turret (FLIR) covering 360°,
  • Multifunctional workstations with automated analysis processes and color screens,
  • A comprehensive communication system including a SATCOM.

Other configurations allow it to be fitted with complementary or additional systems (data links, electronic warfare equipment, self-protection, etc.).

CREW CONCEPTS

The cabin layout can be adapted to the chosen concept.

Basic configuration:

  • Two pilots,
  • Two observers/system operators.

Advanced configuration:

  • Two pilots,
  • Four observers/system operators.

A STATE-OF-THE-ART COCKPIT

The Falcon 2000 MRA has a state-of-the-art cockpit equipped with the advanced avionics system (EASy) defined by Dassault Aviation.

The cockpit is designed for two pilots. EASy benefited from concepts directly derived from modern combat aircraft, as well as flight management systems that enhance the man-machine interface, representing a radical evolution in crew resource management.

FALCON FLYING QUALITIES

The Falcon 2000 MRA inherits the exceptional performance of the Falcon range.

The Falcon 2000 MRA twinjet is twice as fast as a turboprop. This is crucial for quick intervention, difficult missions and also for rapid reconnaissance of large areas. The twin-engine jet provides significant out-capability and unrivalled flying qualities. Fast and safe, the Falcon 2000 MRA can climb to high altitudes and, thanks to its very high operational ceiling, it can cope with very poor weather conditions, even on a single engine.

It offers the essential capabilities of a land-based Maritime Surveillance Aircraft:

  • No limitations on take-off at maximum weight, up to ISA+20°C,
  • Low fuel consumption,
  • Long-range/long persistence in the zone,
  • High-altitude flight capability/High-speed (to reduce transit times),
  • Outstanding low-speed/low-altitude maneuverability,
  • Large payload with full fuel tank.

The Falcon 2000 MRA is perfectly suited to maritime operations. It is fast, resilient, efficient and safe. This platform, combined with its latest-generation mission system, is equipped to meet new requirements that may arise during the aircraft’s lifetime.

A MODERN PROPULSION SYSTEM

The Falcon 2000 MRA is powered by two PW 308C engines, each rated at 7,000 lbf. Each engine is managed by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, offering the highest level of efficiency with the lowest fuel consumption during every segment of the mission.

OUTSTANDING AVAILABILITY

Falcon jets have been designed to meet the most stringent requirements in terms of reliability, maintenance and safety.

It is possible to deploy the Falcon 2000 MRA with an impressive level of reliability using nothing but extremely low-cost logistical resources. The Falcon can be deployed far from its base, without the need for heavy ground support equipment (GSE) or special ground staff.

In terms of maintenance, Dassault Aviation’s policy is to achieve the highest standards at minimum cost by optimizing user interventions, which may be carried out at approved service stations, if necessary.

Data Sheet

Falcon 2000 MRA/MSA - Dimensions

Title Value
Wingspan 21.4 m
Length 20.2 m
Height 7.1 m

Falcon 2000 MRA/MSA - Weight

Title Value
Empty weight 11.3 t
Maximum takeoff weight 19.4 t
External stores capacity 2.2 t

Falcon Albatros - Dimensions

Title Value
Wingspan 21.4 m
Length 20.2 m
Height 7.1 m