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Dassault Falcon 20 / 200

Dassault · Business Jet · France · Early Jet (1946–1969)

The Dassault Falcon 20 (originally Mystère 20) was a French twin-engine business jet — Dassault's first business-jet design + the foundation of the long-running Falcon business-jet family. Pierre Satre designed the Falcon 20 in 1962-1963; the prototype first flew on 4 May 1963. About 508 Falcon 20s were built between 1965 and 1988 at Bordeaux-Mérignac. The aircraft served business + military + maritime-patrol operators worldwide through 2026.

The Falcon 20F (most-numerous variant) used 2 × General Electric CF700 turbofan engines (4,200 lbf each). Maximum speed 870 km/h, range 3,700 km, service ceiling 13,700 m. Capacity: 8-10 passengers + 2-3 crew. The aircraft pioneered the business-jet category in Europe + was the second-most-numerous business jet of the 1960s-1970s (after Learjet 23/24). FedEx purchased the first Falcon 20F in 1972 + used the model as the foundation aircraft for Federal Express's overnight package service.

Falcon 20 service was extensive. FedEx operated 33 Falcon 20s as the original Federal Express overnight-package fleet 1972-1986. U.S. Coast Guard operated 41 Falcon 20s (designated HU-25 Guardian) for maritime patrol 1981-2014. French Air Force, Norwegian Air Force, Spanish Air Force, and other military operators flew Falcon 20s in maritime patrol + ECM / target-tow / VIP-transport roles. About 200 Falcon 20s remain in active service in 2026 — many in maritime-patrol / ECM roles.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Dassault Falcon 20 was the first business jet built by France. It was originally called the Mystère 20 because it came from the same company that made the Mystère fighters. The plane first flew in May 1963 and started carrying passengers in 1965.

The Falcon 20 was designed for business travel. It carried 8 to 10 people in a comfortable cabin. Two General Electric turbofan engines were mounted on the rear of the body, near the tail. The cabin was much quieter than older business jets.

About 508 Falcon 20s were built between 1965 and 1988. The plane was a big hit with American companies. FedEx, the famous package company, started its business using Falcon 20s converted to carry cargo instead of passengers.

The Falcon 20 is about as long as a city bus. Its top speed was 540 mph, which is faster than most race cars today. It could fly up to 2,300 miles without stopping. The Falcon 20 made Dassault one of the top business jet makers in the world.

Fun Facts

The Falcon 20 was the first business jet built by France.
About 508 Falcon 20s were built between 1965 and 1988.
FedEx started its package business with Falcon 20s converted to carry cargo.
The plane carried 8 to 10 passengers in a comfortable cabin.
Its top speed was 540 mph.
The Falcon 20 was originally called the Mystère 20.

Kids’ Questions

How did FedEx get started with Falcon 20s?

When FedEx began in 1973, it needed small, fast planes to carry packages overnight between American cities. The Falcon 20 was the perfect size — big enough for lots of packages, but small enough to land at small airports. FedEx bought used Falcon 20s, ripped out the seats, and used the empty cabin for cargo.

Why are the engines on the back of the plane?

Putting the engines on the back of the body, near the tail, makes the cabin much quieter for passengers. The wings stay clean and smooth without engines hanging under them. This is a common design for business jets because rich passengers really like a quiet cabin.

Variants

Falcon 20C / D / E / F (production variants): Standard variants with progressive engine improvements. About 508 built combined.
Falcon 200 (refined): Final improved variant with Garrett ATF3 engines. About 33 built 1980-1988.

Notable Operators

FedEx Federal Express (1972-1986): 33 Falcon 20s as original Federal Express overnight-package fleet. Foundational aircraft for the FedEx business model.
U.S. Coast Guard (HU-25 Guardian, 1981-2014): 41 HU-25 Guardian variants for maritime patrol + drug interdiction + SAR. Retired 2014.
Worldwide business + military operators: ~400 airframes across business + military + maritime patrol + ECM roles worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Falcon 20 the original FedEx aircraft?

Yes. FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith purchased the first 8 Falcon 20F airframes in 1971 as the foundation of Federal Express's overnight-package service. The Falcon 20's combination of speed (870 km/h) + range (3,700 km) + reasonable cargo capacity (after conversion to freighter configuration) made it ideal for the proposed overnight-package business model. FedEx's first overnight-package shipment on 17 April 1973 was carried by a Falcon 20F. The aircraft remained FedEx's primary fleet until replacement by Boeing 727F + Cessna Caravan from the mid-1980s.

What is the HU-25 Guardian?

The Falcon 20 maritime-patrol variant operated by the U.S. Coast Guard 1981-2014. 41 HU-25 Guardians were modified for maritime patrol + drug interdiction + SAR missions; covered separately in the HU-25 Guardian record.

Sources

Wikipedia — Dassault Falcon 20