Learjet
Learjet is an American aerospace manufacturer specializing in light business jets, best known for pioneering the private aviation sector with its high-speed, twin-engine aircraft that revolutionized executive travel beginning in the 1960s.[1] Founded by inventor and entrepreneur William P. "Bill" Lear, the company originated as the Swiss American Aviation Corporation (SAAC) in 1960 in Switzerland, where development of the prototype Learjet 23—a compact jet derived from a Swiss military trainer design—began, achieving its maiden flight on October 7, 1963.[2] Renamed Lear Jet Corporation and relocated to Wichita, Kansas, in 1962, it entered production with the Learjet 23 in 1964, which quickly gained fame for setting multiple speed records and establishing the benchmark for efficient, long-range business jets capable of carrying 4 to 8 passengers at speeds over 500 mph.[3] Over its 58-year run, Learjet produced more than 3,000 aircraft across 20 models, including iconic variants like the Learjet 35/36 series (the most produced, with over 700 units) and later midsize options such as the Learjet 60 and Learjet 75, with approximately 2,000 still in active service worldwide as of 2022.[4] Acquired by Bombardier Inc. in 1990 for $75 million to bolster its business jet portfolio, Learjet benefited from Bombardier's engineering advancements, introducing innovations like the Learjet 45 (first flight 1995)[5] with improved range and cabin comfort, and the Learjet 75 Liberty edition in 2019[6] featuring reduced operating costs and advanced avionics.[7] However, facing intensifying competition from newer, more fuel-efficient rivals, Bombardier announced the end of Learjet production in February 2021, with the final Learjet 75 delivered on March 28, 2022, to Northern Jet Management, marking the close of an era that defined private aviation.[8] The Learjet legacy endures through its role in democratizing high-speed air travel for corporations, celebrities, and governments, including military variants like the U.S. Air Force's C-21A, and its contributions to aviation safety standards and performance benchmarks.[9]History
Founding and Early Development
William Powell Lear, an inventor and entrepreneur known for innovations like the automobile radio, founded the Swiss American Aviation Corporation (SAAC) in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1960 to develop a compact, high-speed business jet for executive travel.[1] Inspired by the unbuilt Swiss FFA P-16 fighter jet—a twin-engine, straight-winged design developed by Flug- und Fahrzeugwerke Altenrhein (FFA)—Lear acquired the rights to its airframe after the Swiss government canceled the military project due to crashes during testing.[10] The goal was to adapt this lightweight fighter concept into a civilian aircraft under 12,500 pounds, emphasizing speed and efficiency to fill a gap in the market for fast private jets.[11] Facing delays, higher costs, and logistical challenges in Switzerland, Lear relocated the project to Wichita, Kansas, in 1962, renaming the company Lear Jet Corporation and leveraging the region's established aviation manufacturing expertise.[1] Construction of the Learjet 23 prototype began that February, leading to its maiden flight on October 7, 1963, from Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport, piloted by test pilots Hank Beaird and Bob Hagen.[2] After a year of intensive testing, the FAA granted type certification for the Model 23 on July 31, 1964, enabling the first production delivery on October 13, 1964, to Chemical and Industrial Corporation.[12] The aircraft entered service in 1965, attracting early corporate buyers and celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Jimmy Stewart, who recognized its potential for rapid, luxurious travel.[13][14] The Learjet 23 was a twin-engine light business jet powered by two General Electric CJ610 turbojets, seating 6 to 8 passengers in a pressurized cabin, with a top speed of Mach 0.81 (approximately 561 mph) and a range of about 1,800 nautical miles.[15][16] Early production faced significant hurdles, including system modifications for de-icing and other features, which delayed deliveries and exacerbated financial strains on the young company.[17] By 1965, Lear Jet Corporation teetered on the edge of bankruptcy amid these costs, but investor support and growing orders helped stabilize operations, paving the way for initial production success.[18]Gates Learjet Period
In April 1967, the Gates Rubber Company of Denver, Colorado, acquired a controlling 60 percent interest in Lear Jet Corporation for $27 million, leading to the renaming of the company as Gates Learjet Corporation.[19][20] William Lear, the founder, sold his shares as part of the transaction and resigned from the board of directors in 1969.[21] This acquisition provided financial stability and resources to the young company, shifting focus from turbulent startup operations to structured expansion in the business jet market. Under Gates ownership, production rates grew substantially, increasing from approximately 40 aircraft in 1966 to a monthly output of 10 units—equating to over 100 annually—by late 1976.[20] The company also developed a more organized international sales infrastructure, replacing earlier fragmented dealer arrangements with a network of over 200 dealers worldwide to boost global distribution.[17] Key model advancements included the expanded production of the Learjet 24, which had debuted in early 1966 with improved range and speed capabilities, followed by the Learjet 25 in 1967 featuring a stretched fuselage for greater passenger capacity.[19][22] A significant innovation came in 1977 with the introduction of the Learjet 28 and 29 Longhorn variants, the first production jets equipped with winglets, which enhanced fuel efficiency by reducing drag and extending range by up to 7 percent.[23][20] The Wichita, Kansas, facilities underwent notable expansions during the 1970s to support rising demand, including new assembly lines and engineering spaces that accommodated growing operations.[18] Employment at the site increased accordingly, reaching levels around 1,250 by the late 1970s as the company solidified its position in the industry. However, the early 1980s brought challenges amid a sluggish business jet market, prompting Gates Learjet to suspend production from 1984 to 1986 to clear excess inventory and refocus resources.[24] In August 1987, Gates sold its 64.8 percent stake in the company to Integrated Acquisition, Inc.—an affiliate of New York-based Integrated Resources—for $56.8 million, marking the end of Gates' involvement after two decades of stewardship.[25][17]Bombardier Acquisition and Growth
In 1990, Bombardier Inc., a Canadian transportation and aerospace company, acquired the Learjet Corporation from Integrated Resources Inc. for $75 million, marking a significant expansion of its business aviation portfolio.[26] This purchase integrated Learjet into Bombardier's growing aerospace division, which already included Canadair and Short Brothers, and led to the rebranding of the aircraft line as the Bombardier Learjet family.[27] The acquisition enabled Bombardier to leverage Learjet's established reputation in light business jets while applying its resources for modernization and global scaling. Following the acquisition, Bombardier invested in upgrading the Learjet manufacturing facility in Wichita, Kansas, including the construction of a dedicated Flight Test Center shortly thereafter to support advanced testing and certification efforts.[28] These enhancements facilitated the development of new models and improved production efficiency during the 1990s. By the early 2000s, Bombardier had introduced advanced avionics, such as the Collins Pro Line 21 integrated system on the Learjet 45 (certified in 1997) and later variants like the Learjet 60XR (2006), enhancing pilot situational awareness with large LCD displays, digital flight management, and reduced workload features.[29] Production milestones accelerated under Bombardier, with the 2,000th Learjet delivered in fiscal year 1999-2000, reflecting robust demand for the updated lineup.[30] The period saw substantial corporate integration within Bombardier's aerospace operations, culminating in streamlined business jet divisions that combined Learjet, Challenger, and Global lines under a unified branding and sales strategy by the early 2000s.[7] Financial performance peaked in the mid-2000s, with Bombardier Aerospace revenues surpassing $1.8 billion in fiscal 2005, driven by higher deliveries of business jets including Learjet models.[31] This growth supported workforce expansion at the Wichita site, reaching approximately 2,800 employees by 2012, up from earlier levels, as the company pursued certification programs for new variants and secured military contracts.[32] Notable among these were ongoing support agreements for the U.S. Air Force's C-21A fleet, based on Learjet 35/36 airframes, providing logistics, engineering, and maintenance services through the 2010s.[33]End of Production and Current Status
In February 2021, Bombardier announced the discontinuation of Learjet production, with the final Learjet 75 delivered on March 28, 2022, culminating in more than 3,000 aircraft built across all models.[8][34] The decision stemmed from evolving market preferences for larger business jets, including Bombardier's own Challenger and Global series, alongside escalating development costs for modernizing the Learjet lineup amid intensifying competition from rivals such as Embraer and Gulfstream.[35][36] Bombardier has pledged continued support for the existing fleet, including maintenance, parts supply, and upgrade services via its global service centers, while affirming no intentions to revive the Learjet brand as of 2025.[37][38] Recent developments include an October 29, 2025 urgent safety recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for enhanced landing gear inspections on select Learjet models, prompted by a fatal runway excursion incident involving a Learjet 35A on February 10, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona.[39] Preservation efforts persist, notably the Classic Learjet Foundation's ongoing restoration of a 1964 Model 23 to airworthy condition.[40] In 2025, roughly 2,000 Learjets operate worldwide, mainly in corporate transport and air ambulance roles.[41]Aircraft
Model 20 Series
The Learjet Model 20 series represented the company's initial foray into light business jets, featuring compact airframes designed for high-speed travel and efficiency in the private aviation market. Introduced in the mid-1960s, these models utilized a swept-wing configuration derived from earlier military prototypes, enabling subsonic performance up to Mach 0.81 while accommodating 4 to 8 passengers in a pressurized cabin. Powered by twin General Electric CJ610 turbojet engines, the series emphasized rapid climb rates and short-field operations, with takeoff distances as low as 3,600 feet under standard conditions, making them suitable for smaller airports.[15][42] The Learjet 23, the original production model certified in 1964 and manufactured until 1966, seated 4 to 6 passengers and was equipped with CJ610-4 engines producing 2,850 lbf of thrust each, though the first units used the earlier CJ610-1 variant. It achieved a maximum speed of 561 mph and a range of approximately 1,590 nautical miles with reserves, setting the benchmark for compact executive jets with its ability to cruise at 45,000 feet. A total of 104 aircraft were built, many of which served as testbeds for subsequent improvements in the series.[15][43][42] Building on the 23, the Learjet 24 entered production in 1966 and continued through 1978, offering enhanced gross weights and extended range up to approximately 1,500 nautical miles, with capacity for up to 8 passengers. Variants included the 24A (standard production), 24B (with upgraded CJ610-6 engines for better hot-and-high performance), 24C/D (increased fuel capacity and weights), 24E (improved avionics), and 24F (CJ610-8A engines with 2,950 lbf thrust for higher speeds). These models maintained the series' hallmark short-field capabilities, with balanced-field lengths around 4,000 feet, and a total of 259 units were produced.[44][45][46] The Learjet 25, produced from 1967 to 1984, was a higher-performance evolution with a stretched fuselage for added seating and fuel, achieving ranges of about 1,700 nautical miles and cruise speeds near 534 mph. Key variants encompassed the 25A/B (enhanced thrust via CJ610-6 engines), 25C (additional fuel tanks), and 25D (longer-range configuration with CJ610-8A powerplants). Like its predecessors, it excelled in short-field performance, requiring under 4,500 feet for takeoff at maximum weight, and 373 examples were constructed, with some adapted for military reconnaissance roles such as electronic scanning platforms.[47][48][49] Overall, the Model 20 series totaled nearly 750 aircraft, influencing later Learjet designs through its emphasis on speed and agility, though most have been retired by the 2020s due to aging airframes and evolving regulatory demands for noise and emissions; upgraded examples persist in niche operations.[50][13]Model 30 Series
The Learjet Model 30 series marked a significant evolution in midsize business aviation during the late 1970s and 1980s, introducing turbofan engines for quieter operation and greater efficiency compared to the earlier Model 20 series' turbojets, while expanding cabin space for up to eight passengers and enhancing range capabilities for transcontinental flights. Powered primarily by Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines, the series emphasized high-speed performance at altitudes up to 51,000 feet, with typical takeoff distances around 5,000 feet under standard conditions, enabling operations from shorter runways than many contemporaries. These advancements positioned the aircraft as versatile platforms for corporate travel, medical evacuation, and government missions, with production spanning from 1974 to the early 1990s and totaling approximately 1,000 units across variants.[51][52] The Learjet 35 and 36, introduced in 1976, formed the core of the series with two Honeywell TFE731-2-2B engines each producing 3,500 pounds of thrust, accommodating eight passengers in a pressurized cabin, and offering a maximum range of 2,367 nautical miles at a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.81. The 35 variant focused on balanced passenger and fuel capacity, while the 36 prioritized extended range with additional fuselage fuel tanks, reducing seating to six. Variants included the 35A and 36A (certified in 1976) with upgraded engines for better hot-and-high performance, and the 35B and 36B (introduced in 1981) featuring improved climb rates via TFE731-3B engines and early electronic flight instrument systems (EFIS) for enhanced avionics. A combined 738 units of the 35/36 family were produced, making it the most prolific in the series and a staple for high-altitude, rapid-response operations.[53][54][55] The Learjet 31, a smaller derivative produced from 1974 to 1980, seated six passengers in a more compact fuselage derived from the 25 series but with TFE731 engines for a range of 1,852 nautical miles and similar Mach 0.81 top speed, prioritizing agility for shorter missions. Only 38 examples were built before production shifted to the more popular 35/36 models, though later 31A updates in the 1990s incorporated refined avionics and extended the lineage. Complementing these, the Learjet 28 and 29 "Longhorn" models debuted in 1977 as the first production jets with winglets instead of tip tanks, yielding improved fuel efficiency—estimated at up to 10% better range performance at high altitudes—and a maximum range of 2,500 nautical miles for the extended 29 variant, which traded two seats for fuel. Just nine units were constructed (five 28s and four 29s) due to market preferences for the TFE731-powered siblings, but they pioneered winglet technology that influenced subsequent Learjet designs.[56][57][58][59] Beyond civilian roles, the Model 30 series saw widespread military and government adoption, particularly the 35A variant redesignated as the U.S. Air Force C-21A for VIP transport, medical evacuation, and cargo airlift, with 80 units leased starting in 1984. The U.S. Navy similarly employed the C-35 based on the 35A for pilot training and utility missions, while international operators like Japan's Air Self-Defense Force used the U-36A (36A equivalent) for similar duties. Later variants benefited from EFIS upgrades for safer instrument flight in adverse conditions, underscoring the series' adaptability and enduring operational impact in diverse sectors.[60][61]Model 40, 45, and 60 Series
The Learjet 40 and 45 series, introduced during the late 1990s under Bombardier ownership, marked a significant evolution from the earlier Model 30 series by incorporating a wider fuselage and digital avionics for improved passenger comfort and operational efficiency in the midsize business jet segment. The Learjet 45 entered service in 1998 following its first flight in 1995, accommodating up to 9 passengers with a maximum range of approximately 2,100 nautical miles at a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.81, powered by two Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines each producing 3,500 pounds of thrust.[3][62] The Learjet 40, a slightly shorter variant, followed in 2004 with capacity for 8 passengers and a range of about 1,960 nautical miles, maintaining the same engine configuration while offering a more compact option at lower acquisition cost.[63][64] Both models featured a fuselage width of 5 feet 1 inch, providing 36% more cabin volume than predecessors like the Learjet 31, along with advanced Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite for enhanced navigation and reduced pilot workload.[62][65] The XR variants, introduced in 2004 for the 40 and 2002 for the 45, extended range capabilities through increased maximum takeoff weights—up to 21,500 pounds for the 45XR—allowing for greater fuel loads and payloads without compromising the series' emphasis on speed over opulent interiors.[66] Combined production of the 40 and 45 series totaled 586 units, ending in 2012; as of 2024, around 200 remain in active service.[65][67][68] The Learjet 60, a super-midsize jet produced from 1993 to 2012, prioritized high-altitude performance with seating for 8 passengers, a range of 2,240 nautical miles, and a cruise speed of 461 knots, enabled by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A turbofans delivering 4,600 pounds of thrust each.[69][70] Its design included a 51,000-foot service ceiling and a cabin height of 5 feet 7 inches, contributing to quieter operations certified under FAR Part 36 noise standards, while the Collins Pro Line 4 avionics supported efficient transcontinental flights.[71] 318 units were built, with production peaking in the 2000s as upgrades like optional synthetic vision systems were integrated into later examples for improved situational awareness; as of 2024, around 250 remain active.[70][72] Across the series, performance highlights included the shortest takeoff distances in their classes—under 4,800 feet at sea level for standard conditions—allowing access to shorter runways while underscoring Learjet's traditional focus on velocity and climb rates rather than extensive luxury amenities.[63][73] Some airframes were adapted for military roles, including surveillance configurations based on the Model 40 platform.[74]Model 70 and 75 Series
The Learjet 70 and 75 series, introduced in October 2013, served as refined redesigns of the earlier Learjet 40 and 45 models, incorporating enhanced performance and modern avionics to meet contemporary business aviation demands. These twin-engine light jets were powered by Honeywell TFE731-40BR turbofans, each delivering 3,850 pounds of thrust with full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) for improved reliability and efficiency. The series emphasized fuel savings and reduced emissions through aerodynamic refinements, including advanced winglets that extended range while lowering direct operating costs compared to predecessors. FAA certification was granted on November 14, 2013, marking the entry into service in early 2014. Distinguishing features included a spacious cabin for the category, with the Learjet 70 configured for up to 7 passengers in a single zone and the Learjet 75 accommodating up to 9 passengers (including an optional belted lavatory seat), both benefiting from a 5-foot-1-inch width and heights around 4 feet 11 inches. The Learjet 75 Liberty variant, launched in 2019, integrated the advanced Garmin G5000 avionics suite with synthetic vision, touchscreen controllers, and enhanced connectivity, available as standard on new builds and retrofittable to existing aircraft. These models achieved a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.81 (approximately 465 knots) and a service ceiling of 51,000 feet, enabling efficient operations above most weather and traffic. Performance metrics highlighted short-field capabilities, with a balanced-field takeoff length of 4,440 feet at sea level under standard conditions and initial climb rates exceeding 4,000 feet per minute.| Specification | Learjet 70 | Learjet 75 |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers (max) | 7 | 9 |
| Range (NBAA IFR, 4 pax) | 2,060 nm | 2,080 nm |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 21,500 lb | 21,500 lb |
| Cabin Length | 17 ft 8 in | 19 ft 8 in |
| Baggage Volume | 65 cu ft | 65 cu ft |