UK names ‘Royal' Dassault Falcon aircraft Envoy IV

The first of two Falcon 900LX VIP aircraft seen at RAF Northolt for pre-delivery induction tests on the same day that the MoD named the type Envoy IV. (Crown Copyright)

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has named the Dassault Falcon VIP aircraft to be operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) Envoy IV.

Announced on 18 May, the name reflects the diplomatic mission of the two jets in transporting royal and senior government/military leaders, and also harks back to the original Envoy aircraft flown by the RAF in the 1930s and 1940s.

The MoD announced the GBP80 million (USD109 million) order for two Falcon 900LX aircraft for 32 Squadron (The Royal) on 8 February, noting that the tri-jets will be provided by Bristol-based Centreline under a GBP80 million (USD99 million) contract.

“The contract with Centreline, placed by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) – the MoD‘s procurement arm – includes the purchase of two Dassault 900LX aircraft and two years of initial support, plus three option years if required,” the ministry said at the time, adding, “[The] Dassault 900LX was successful in this competition as the standout candidate in performance, cost value, and time requirements.”

The MoD‘s naming of the type coincided with the first aircraft performing pre-delivery induction tests at RAF Northolt near London.