Envoy IV: All you need to know about aircraft that made its debut at King's birthday flypast
The Dassault 900LX Falcon VIP aircraft, known as the 'Envoy IV' in the Royal Air Force, are the latest plane type to join the RAF fleet.
The two jets, which are more than 66ft in length, fly further, faster, and more sustainably than the BAe146 – the aircraft it replaces – which retired from service in March 2022.
Envoy's primary role is Command Support Air Transport (CSAT), "timely and discreetly" transporting high-priority military personnel and small items of mission-critical freight to, from and within operational areas.
The jets – which can carry up to 14 passengers – are also used to transport Royals, senior members of Government and diplomats, hence why it's called a VIP jet.
According to the RAF, the Envoy can transport VIPs around the world "quicker and more efficiently than before".
Since they were brought into service, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been criticised for using the jets for short-haul flights, rather than using cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative forms of transport.
However, Downing Street defended the PM using the VIP aircraft saying it makes "the best use of his time".
The aircraft, which are said to cost £80m each, are being operated by mixed crews of RAF and civilian Centreline AV staff before reaching full military operational capability in 2024.
Envoy IV specifications
- Powerplant: three 5,000lb Honeywell TFE731-60 turbofan engines
- Length overall: 66ft 4in (20.21m)
- Wingspan: 70ft 2in (21.38m)
- Range: with eight people it can fly 4,750m or 8,800km without refuelling
- Payload: 14 passengers
It was announced in May that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is seeking interest from potential suppliers to carry out "defensive military modifications".
Upgrades to the jets will include "Directional Infra-Red Counter Measures (DIRCM) and Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS)" – otherwise known as 'chaff and flare' systems – which can aid military aircraft in defeating heat-seeking missiles.
Other upgrades will include new radio communication suites and military GPS with anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities.
The flight decks are also set to be fitted with Flight Deck Armour (FDA) – to help prevent pilots from becoming incapacitated by small arms fire.
The upgrades are due to be complete by early 2026.
The Envoy name is a nod both to its crucial role in defence diplomacy and to previous Envoy aircraft in RAF service.
The original Envoy aircraft in RAF service was known as the Envoy III.
It was a twin-engine light transport aircraft, used by the RAF before and during the Second World War in the communications role – one served with the 'King's Flight' – a precursor to today's No 32 (The Royal) Squadron.
Envoy, which is expected to be in service until at least 2037, is based at RAF Northolt in South Ruislip with No 32 (The Royal) Squadron.
Envoy made its ceremonial debut in a flypast of around 70 military aircraft over central London for the King's Birthday Parade, marking the King's first official birthday.
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