He was among the world's 500 richest people with a fortune valued at $7.15 billion.

The 69 year old was the eldest son of late industrialist Serge Dassault.

Namesake firm Dassault Aviation builds Rafale fighters and Faulcon business jets.

The family also owns France's Le Figaro newspaper.

Dassault was once seen as favourite to succeed his father as head of the family is holding, but the role went to a former boss of the aerospace firm instead.

Since 2000 and two, Dassault had been a lawmaker for the conservative lay Republican party.

Paying tribute on Twitter, French president Emmanuel Macron said he was someone who never ceased to serve our country.

Police say the private helicopter crashed Sunday afternoon in Normandy, where they also had a holiday home.