note
Company was founded by aviation pioneer Marcel Bloch (later Dassault) who witnessed Wright brothers flyer in action and decided to dedicate his life to aviation. Marcel's first creation was a propeller used on WWI era airplane Eclaire in 1915. In 1931 MB-60 and later improved version MB-120 passenger and mail long distance transport tri-motor airplane is built.
In 1936 16 passenger all metal air transport airplane MB-220 is introduced and enters service with Air France. A year later MB-161 Languedoc, large 4 engine transport aircraft is introduced into service with the airlines.
Looming war, switches priorities at the factory and production focuses on military bombers and fighter planes. MB-174/175/176 light bomber/attack aircraft becomes most numerous series produced at the Marcel Bloch factory.
In 1944 Marcel Bloch is taken prisoner by the Nazis for refusing to cooperate. After liberation, Marcel Bloch changes its name to Marcel Dassault.
In 1947 large factory in Mérignac near Bordeaux is built to facilitate growing production. MD-315 Flamant is built there initially. In 1949 first fighter jet MD-450 Ouragan is introduced. During the 1950s Dassault develops and builds Mystère and later Mirage line of fighter jets. MD-550 Mirage I, a Delta wing light fighter jet, is produced in over 1,400 frames mostly for export. In May 1963 Mystere 20 light transport jet takes to flight. Mystere 20 later becomes Falcon 20 series. Developed with Mystere IV fighter jet wing and using Pratt & Whitney JT-12 jet engines, aircraft is immediate success and Falcon series of light business jets is produced to this day. 40 were ordered by Pan American for its new business jet division although only handful entered service.
In 1967 another French aircraft designer Breguet merges with Dassault.
founded - demised (age)
1915 - present (110years)
headquarters
78 Quai Marcel Dassault, Saint-Cloud Paris
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (10)
