The Gulfstream G450 and Dassault Falcon 900 are two of the most popular and successful large-cabin, long-range aircraft on the market today. While similar in terms of cabin space, range, and speed, there are a number of notable differences between the two heavy jets. Wondering which of the two is right for you? Below, we’ll compare the stats side-by-side to help you decide whether the G450 or Falcon 900 better fits your mission.
For comparison purposes, we will use statistics for the Falcon 900LX, the latest in Dassault’s Falcon 900 series.
GULFSTREAM G450 vs. DASSAULT FALCON 900: A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
GULFSTREAM G450 OVERVIEW
Designed with business efficiency, long-distance travel, and the utmost comfort in mind, the Gulfstream G450 is one of the premier jets on the market for intercontinental travel. An incredibly incredibly spacious cabin with three separate living areas and two fully enclosed lavatories ensures you’ll stay relaxed and productive while in the air. A number of amenities such as folding work tables and a satellite phone make it so you’ll feel you never left the office—and its baggage compartment, one of the largest on the market, is accessible while flying.
Since the cabin can maintain sea-level pressurization up to 22,000 feet, you’ll arrive at your destination feeling less fatigued than on competing jets. An improved wing design and upgraded engines give the G450 added power and speed—the G450 can climb to 41,000 feet in just 23 minutes. It can go faster for even further distances than its predecessors thanks to added fuel capacity.
DASSAULT FALCON 900 OVERVIEW
The Falcon 900LX is the latest version of the popular Falcon 900 line, and it is the sum of all its forerunners’ successes and innovations. Soft leather seating in the spacious, wide cabin is arranged in a double club-four configuration with a three-person divan, and there’s plenty of room to stretch out and walk around. Passengers can control the cabin management system via panels subtly hidden in the seats’ armrests, including unique mood lighting and entertainment features. For comfort and productivity, the 900LX’s cabin is the series’ quietest yet.
The most immediately noticeable feature of the Falcon 900 is its signature three-engine design. Dassault says the 900LX has 7% greater range capability over its predecessor due to these upgraded engines, which also boast lowered fuel consumption. The 900LX also has a 10% faster climb rate, getting to 39,000 feet in only 20 minutes—and with a maximum ceiling of 51,000 feet, it can fly higher than much of the competition.
PASSENGERS
GULFSTREAM 450:
Typically seats 12
DASSAULT FALCON 900:
Typically seats 12
Passenger seating capacity for both aircraft varies based on several different available configurations, but Magellan can guarantee space for 12.
RANGE
GULFSTREAM G450:
4,350 nm (8 passengers, NBAA IFR reserves)
DASSAULT FALCON 900:
4,750 nm (6 passengers, NBAA IFR reserves)
Range capabilities vary based on a variety of conditions, from number of passengers to payload. We’ve used statistics readily available from the aircraft manufacturers. The latest version of the Falcon 900 beats the G450 in range by several hundred nautical miles, but both jets can capably handle long-range, intercontinental travel—think legs like New York to Moscow, Paris to Beijing, or Tokyo to Seattle.
cabin size
The G450 has a much longer cabin and several hundred more cubic feet of space, though the Falcon 900’s cabin is slightly wider. Importantly, both aircraft offer ample headroom.
GULFSTREAM G450:
Cabin Length: 45 ft.
Cabin Width: 7 ft. 4 in.
Cabin Height: 6 ft. 2 in.
Cabin Volume: 1,525 cubic ft.
Cabin Door Height: 5 ft.
Cabin Door Width: 3 ft.
DASSAULT FALCON 900:
Cabin Length: 33 ft. 2 in.
Cabin Width: 7 ft. 8 in.
Cabin Height: 6 ft. 2 in.
Cabin Volume: 1,264 cubic ft.
Cabin Door Height: 5 ft. 7.7 in
Cabin Door Width: 2 ft. 7.5 in
Baggage Volume
GULFSTREAM G450:
169 cubic ft.
DASSAULT FALCON 900:
127 cubic ft.
The G450 trumps the Falcon 900 in terms of storage space, but baggage on both aircraft is accessible internally through the cabin—even while in flight.
Take off/landing distance
*At sea level
GULFSTREAM G450:
Take Off Distance Average: 5,600 ft.
Landing Distance Average: 2,663 ft.
DASSAULT FALCON 900:
Take Off Distance Average: 5,360 ft.
Landing Distance Average: 2,415 ft.
The Dassault Falcon 900LX needs less runway to take off and land. Shorter runway capability may mean a greater number of airports are available to you.
Speed
GULFSTREAM G450:
Maximum cruise speed: 476 kts
Long-range cruise speed: 459 kts
DASSAULT FALCON 900:
Maximum cruise speed: 474 kts
Long-range cruise speed: 431 kts
The two jets are nearly equal in maximum speed capability, but the G450 boasts an excellent long-range cruise speed that surpasses that of the Falcon 900LX.
ENGINES
GULFSTREAM G450:
2 Rolls-Royce Tay Mk 611-8C Engines
DASSAULT FALCON 900:
3 Honeywell TFE731-60 Engines
An additional engine on the Falcon 900 provides added safety when flying over oceans and harsh terrains for long periods of time. The Falcon 900LX’s engines also enhance fuel economy by 40% compared to competing aircraft.
avionics
GULFSTREAM G450:
The G450 features Gulfstream’s PlaneView avionics system on four large LCD displays, controlled by the pilots via a cursor in their seats’ armrests. Additionally, the G450 includes the Kollman enhanced vision system (EVS), which uses a nose-mounted infrared camera to help pilots spot terrain and runway lights at night or in inclement weather.
DASSAULT FALCON 900:
The Falcon 900LX features a completely digital cockpit with the second-generation Primus Epic EASy II avionics system developed in coordination with Honeywell. The flight deck features four 14.1-inch flat-panel LCD screens, and cursor controls, and pilots can take advantage of satellite weather and electronic charting. Dassault’s new FalconEye Combined Vision System Heads-Up Display system, developed from military technology, gives pilots a revolutionary level of situational awareness; the company says “it is the first HUD to combine synthetic, database-driven terrain mapping and actual thermal and low-light camera images into a single view.” These upgrades give the Falcon 900 a competitive edge in the cockpit compared to similar jets.
Purely PRivate Flights With Magellan JEts
Both the Gulfstream G450 and Falcon 900 are excellent choices for those who want to travel intercontinentally in purely private comfort and style. Our private aviation consultants are ready to help match you with the best aircraft to fit your particular needs and perfectly service your trip. Call 877-550-JETS today to speak with a consultant, or click the link below to learn about the many ways to fly with Magellan Jets.
