Learjet 85 marks development milestones

Bombardier has revealed further details of the Learjet 85 development. It says that all major suppliers, over 30, have been engaged and are active in the joint definition phase and that several product development milestones, including the completion of a second proof of concept fuselage, and the successful completion of all wind tunnel testing have been achieved as it aims for entry into service in 2013.
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“We have completed over 60 significant programme milestones as proof points to our progress,” said Ralph Acs, vice-president, Learjet 85. “We are currently well into the joint definition phase, have firm agreements with all major suppliers on the programme including, propulsion, air systems, avionics, electrical, hyrdo-mechanics, structures and interiors. We are also progressing as planned with the Wichita and Mexico site expansions as we prepare for production.”

The Montreal-based manufacturer said the aircraft’s outside mould has been frozen and that the development team is gearing up to start the detailed design phase later this year. While the new jet’s wing development is underway with a proof of concept wing demonstrator “underway”.

Launched in October 2007, the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under FAR Part 25. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines at 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust each and low noise levels, while the advanced low NOx emission combuster offers reduced environmental impact. The target high-speed cruise is Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3,000nm (5,556 km). The flight deck will feature the new Pro Line Fusion avionics suite from Rockwell Collins.

Bombardier sees the Middle East as a key market for the Learjet 85.
 

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