New Bombardier Learjet Aircraft On Track To Enter Service In 2013

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New Bombardier Learjet Aircraft On Track To Enter Service In 2013

By Daniel Baxter

July 16, 2012 - Bombardier announced that it is on track with its three new Learjet business aircraft as it shared further details of its ongoing development programs. The Learjet 85 aircraft program continues to progress towards first flight with four test aircraft in various stages of fabrication.

The first complete pressure fuselage, including the nose and aft fuselage, is undergoing final validation before being shipped from Querétaro, Mexico, to Wichita, Kansas.

Work on the first Learjet 85 jet’s wing internal structure is complete in Querétaro and has been moved into the final assembly position for wing plank installation. The assembly of a second wing which will be part of the Static Structural Test Article is well underway.

“As we push farther along our development road map the teams across all of our Learjet facilities, and manufacturing plants, are truly excited as solid progress is being made towards the maiden flight of the Learjet 85 aircraft,” said Ralph Acs, Vice President and General Manager, Learjet, Bombardier Business Aircraft.

“Our suppliers continue to keep up with our rigorous schedules as we work with our strategic partners across our aircraft programs. The final assembly line in Wichita is ready, and we are eager to assemble the first aircraft.”

The recently launched Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft program is progressing well and the first two flight test aircraft, a modified Learjet 40 XR jet and a modified Learjet 45 XR aircraft have already logged more than 135 flights, as the two are used to continue to develop the avionics that provide the core of the Learjet aircraft’s Vision Flight Deck.

“Assembly of the three remaining Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 flight test aircraft is on track, and with over 600 test hours logged we know that the Vision Flight Deck will truly offer the ultimate flight experience in these market segments,” added Acs.

The Learjet site expansion in Wichita is underway adding significant additional capability in preparation for the ramp up of the Learjet 85 jet. “It is a great feeling for our employees and our city of Wichita to see our site expansion underway.” said Acs.

The new Learjet 85 aircraft redefines the midsize segment. Launched on October 30, 2007, with a customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85 aircraft is the largest, fastest and most capable Learjet aircraft ever. True to its legendary heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set to deliver the extraordinary performance, superior technology and exceptional value Learjet aircraft owners expect. The jet is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, each boasting 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust at sea level up to 86ºF and low noise levels, while the advanced low NOx emitting combustor offers reduced environmental impact. The aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles.

The Learjet 85 aircraft flight deck combines advanced technology, with superior design elements for a cockpit environment unlike any other midsize jet. The latest in technological advancements and superior design aesthetics from Bombardier’s Vision Flight Deck are carried over in order to create the ultimate Learjet aircraft flight control environment.

The aircraft’s Cabin Management System, developed by Lufthansa Technik, will feature a high-capacity Ethernet network, a digital amplifier to feed the high-fidelity speaker system and an interface to support the aircraft cabin environment, including lighting and temperature control. The system’s open architecture also allows for easy integration of third-party equipment and new applications, such as high-definition features.

Learjet is the first name in corporate aviation. Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier Aerospace has carried forward the brand’s proud legacy by launching eight high-performance and fuel-efficient Learjet aircraft. Learjet 70 aircraft: The Learjet 70 aircraft will be able to achieve an exceptional range greater than 2,000 nautical miles at a cruise speed of Mach 0.75. It will connect Chicago-San Juan, Toluca-Minneapolis and London-Moscow non-stop** with six passengers and two crew members.

Learjet 75 aircraft: With a maximum range greater than 2,000 nautical miles at cruise speeds up to Mach 0.75, the Learjet 75 aircraft will be able to fly four passengers and two crew members non-stop** from Los Angeles to Toronto, Mumbai to Bangkok and Dubai to Cairo. Additionally, it will be able to handle a range close to 1,950 nautical miles with eight passengers**.

A breakthrough in business aviation, the Vision Flight Deck is designed to deliver a completely new cockpit experience. By combining the best in technological advancements with superior design aesthetics, it provides pilots flying Bombardier’s Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft an unprecedented level of control and comfort. The Vision Flight Deck for Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft will feature the fully integrated Garmin G5000 digital avionics suite, designed with leading edge technology and one of the most intuitive crew interfaces available.