France’s Falcon 8X-based Archange intelligence aircraft performs maiden flight

The first aircraft developed under France’s Archange program has completed its maiden flight, according to the country’s defense procurement agency, the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA). The aircraft is part of a three-unit fleet intended to replace the C-160G Gabriel signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft, retired in 2022. 

Launched in 2019, Archange (Avion de Renseignement à CHArge utile de Nouvelle GEnération) is scheduled to deliver three Falcon 8X-based platforms by the end of the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law.  

The aircraft will be used by the French Air and Space Force to detect, intercept, and analyze radar and radio signals in support of multi-domain operations. 

Dassault Falcon 8X platform with Thales CUGE system 

The Archange aircraft is based on the Dassault Falcon 8X business jet, modified to carry the Capacité Universelle de Guerre Électronique (CUGE) system developed by Thales. The platform is designed to operate at altitudes of up to 15,500 meters (50,000 feet) and speeds close to Mach 0.9. 

RELATED

What makes business jets such great military aircraft?

According to the DGA, the CUGE mission suite includes multi-polarization antennas, high-sensitivity sensors, and artificial intelligence-enhanced signal processing. It also integrates high-speed SATCOM and tactical datalink systems to enable near real-time dissemination of collected data. 

Dassault Aviation and Thales were awarded the contract to modify and equip the Falcon 8X platforms with the CUGE system in January 2020. 

Increased range and integration into joint networks 

Compared to the C-160 Gabriel, the Falcon 8X offers a significantly increased range and endurance—reportedly two to three times greater—as well as a higher cruising altitude and smaller radar cross-section. These improvements are expected to enhance operational flexibility and survivability in high-threat environments. 

The aircraft is also intended to operate within France’s broader joint and coalition intelligence framework. It is expected to interface with programs such as the Future Combat Air System (SCAF), the SCORPION land warfare program, and NATO C4ISR networks. 

Temporary capability gap following C-160G retirement 

The C-160 Transall was retired in 2022 after 59 years of service with the French Air Force. Its withdrawal also marked the end of the C-160G Gabriel, introduced in 1989 for long-range SIGINT missions and still supporting NATO surveillance flights over the Baltic and Black Seas until its retirement. 

With the first Archange delivery not expected before late 2025, France has relied on a mix of interim assets, including ALSR “Vador” aircraft based on the King Air 350, MQ-9 Reaper drones with electromagnetic payloads, and upgraded Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. In space, the CERES satellite constellation, launched in 2021, provides orbital electromagnetic intelligence coverage. 

These platforms offer only partial coverage compared to the capabilities of the Gabriel. In a 2022 parliamentary report, MP Jean-Jacques Ferrara noted that “the C-160 Gabriel provided a specific capability, to which satellites or drones cannot be substituted.” 

While the C-160’s tactical transport role has since been taken over by the Airbus A400M, Casa CN235, and a Franco-German C-130J squadron in Évreux, its strategic intelligence-gathering role is not expected to be fully restored until the Archange fleet is operational. 

Deliveries are scheduled for 2025, 2026, and 2028. The three Archange aircraft will be operated by Electronic Squadron 00.054 “Dunkerque” at Évreux-Fauville Air Base. The program also includes the creation of a ground-based training and mission simulation facility. The post France’s Falcon 8X-based Archange intelligence aircraft performs maiden flight appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source