Learjet 45
The Learjet 45 is a twin-engine midsize business jet developed and produced by Learjet, a division of Bombardier Aerospace, serving as the company's first clean-sheet design since the Learjet 23 in 1963 and the world's first business jet fully designed and manufactured using computer-aided engineering.[1][2] Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-20AR-2B turbofan engines each producing 3,500 pounds of thrust, it features a maximum takeoff weight of 20,500 pounds in standard configuration (21,500 pounds for the XR variant), a high-speed cruise capability of Mach 0.81 (465 knots true airspeed), and a maximum range of up to 2,040 nautical miles at long-range cruise, with typical seating for two pilots and eight passengers in a compact, pressurized cabin measuring 19 feet 9 inches long, 5 feet 1 inch wide, and 4 feet 11 inches high.[3][4][5] Development of the Learjet 45 began with its announcement on September 14, 1992, following Bombardier's 1990 acquisition of Learjet, with the prototype achieving first flight on October 7, 1995, and receiving FAA type certification in September 1997, as the first business jet certified under the FAA's Part 25 transport category standards using fully digital design processes.[6][7] The first customer delivery occurred in January 1998, marking a shift from Learjet's earlier delta-wing models to a more conventional low-wing, T-tail configuration optimized for efficiency, short-field performance, and high-altitude operations up to 51,000 feet.[3][8] A total of 455 Learjet 45 and 45XR aircraft were built before production ended in 2012, with the line's closure reflecting Bombardier's strategic pivot toward larger platforms amid evolving market demands for greater cabin comfort and range.[6][9] Key design innovations in the Learjet 45 include a fail-safe aluminum fuselage structure lighter than predecessors, advanced Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics with dual flight management systems, and delta-shaped ailerons for precise handling at high speeds, contributing to its reputation for rapid climb rates exceeding 6,000 feet per minute and balanced short-field takeoff and landing distances of around 4,100 feet and 2,500 feet, respectively.[3][4] The extended-range 45XR variant, certified in June 2004, incorporated increased maximum takeoff weight, additional fuel capacity for a 10% range extension to 2,240 nautical miles, and enhanced climb performance, while a related shortened fuselage model, the Learjet 40, was introduced in 1998 for operations requiring less cabin volume.[6][3] Despite its non-standup cabin height limiting interior flexibility compared to competitors like the Cessna Citation XLS, the Learjet 45 excelled in speed-critical missions for corporate, medical evacuation, and government use, with a significant portion of the fleet remaining in active service as of 2022 due to its low operating costs of approximately $3,800 per hour and proven reliability.[9][10]History
Development
On September 14, 1992, Bombardier Aerospace, owner of Learjet Inc., announced the development of the Learjet 45 at the National Business Aviation Association convention in Dallas, Texas, positioning it as an all-new midsize business jet intended to succeed aging models such as the Learjet 35 series.[11][6] This clean-sheet design marked Learjet's first major departure from the fuselage and wing architecture of its predecessors since the original Learjet 23, incorporating a longer fuselage for enhanced passenger comfort and advanced composite materials to reduce weight while improving efficiency.[12] The primary design goals emphasized superior range, higher speeds, and greater cabin spaciousness compared to earlier Learjets, aiming to blend midsize capabilities with light-jet economics to appeal to corporate and charter operators.[13] Prototyping progressed with the rollout of the first aircraft on September 14, 1995, followed by its maiden flight on October 7, 1995—coinciding with the 32nd anniversary of the Learjet 23's debut—which initiated an extensive flight testing regimen to validate performance, systems integration, and safety features.[14][15] The program involved multiple test aircraft accumulating thousands of hours in diverse conditions, including high-altitude evaluations and structural load assessments, to meet rigorous certification standards.[16] The certification process faced challenges typical of new business jet programs, including demonstrations of noise compliance under FAR Part 36 Stage 3 requirements and bird-strike resistance for engines and airframe components per FAR 25 regulations.[17] The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration granted type certification on September 22, 1997, after addressing these and other hurdles such as flutter clearance and systems reliability.[2] This was followed by Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) certification on July 3, 1998, enabling European market entry.[18] Initially marketed to corporate and charter sectors, the Learjet 45 promised a projected range of approximately 1,500 nautical miles with four passengers and a maximum cruise speed of Mach 0.81, offering efficient transcontinental operations while prioritizing speed and reliability over the shorter-range limitations of prior Learjet models.[7]Production and deliveries
Production of the Learjet 45 took place primarily at the Learjet facility in Wichita, Kansas, where final assembly occurred after Bombardier's 1990 acquisition of the company. Fuselage sections were manufactured by Short Brothers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, while wings were produced by de Havilland Canada in Downsview, Ontario. Honeywell TFE731-20 turbofan engines were integrated during the final assembly phase in Wichita.[7] Following FAA certification on September 22, 1997, deliveries of the base Learjet 45 commenced in January 1998, with the first seven units handed over that year. Production ramped up quickly, reaching a peak annual rate of 71 aircraft in 2000, supported by strong initial demand from U.S. corporate buyers seeking efficient mid-size jets for domestic operations. Subsequent years saw 63 deliveries in 2001 and 33 in 2002, reflecting sustained market interest amid economic conditions.[19] By the end of production in 2007, a total of 239 base Model 45 aircraft had been produced and delivered. International sales began in 1999, expanding to customers in Europe and Asia and diversifying the buyer base beyond North America. This early market reception underscored the Learjet 45's appeal as a high-performance option in the super-midsize segment.[20][5]End of production and legacy
Production of the base Learjet 45 model concluded in 2007, with the enhanced Learjet 45XR variant continuing until 2012, marking the end of manufacturing for the 40/45 series.[21] In a broader context, Bombardier announced in February 2021 that it would cease all Learjet production by the end of that year, including the larger Learjet 70 and 75 models, to redirect resources toward its more profitable midsize and large-cabin jets such as the Challenger and Global series.[22][23] The final Learjet 75 was delivered in March 2022, effectively closing out over five decades of Learjet assembly.[24] Several economic pressures contributed to this decision, including escalating certification and production costs amid declining demand for light business jets, as well as intensified competition from rivals like Gulfstream and Cessna in the midsize segment.[25][26] Bombardier, facing a substantial debt burden following the divestiture of its commercial aviation division, prioritized cost reductions estimated at $400 million annually by streamlining operations and focusing on aftermarket support for the existing Learjet fleet rather than new builds.[27][28] The Learjet 40/45 series left a significant legacy, with a total of 588 aircraft delivered, comprising 455 Learjet 45 and 45XR units alongside 133 Learjet 40 and 40XR models, which emphasized fuel efficiency, high-speed performance, and short-field capabilities that influenced subsequent midsize business jet designs.[6][29] Bombardier continues to provide comprehensive parts, maintenance, and service support for these aircraft, ensuring their operational viability for years to come.[23] As of 2024, the global active fleet of Learjet 45 variants is estimated at over 230 aircraft, reflecting sustained popularity among operators despite the production halt.[21]Design
Airframe and structure
The Learjet 45 features an all-metal semi-monocoque airframe construction, primarily utilizing aluminum alloys for the fuselage and wings to ensure structural integrity and durability under high-altitude operations.[30] The overall dimensions include a length of 58 feet, a wingspan of 47 feet 10 inches, a height of 14 feet 1 inch, and a wing area of approximately 311.6 square feet, providing a compact yet efficient platform for midsize business jet performance.[3][4] Aerodynamically, the aircraft employs a cantilever low-wing monoplane configuration with a 13-degree swept wing incorporating a supercritical airfoil to optimize transonic cruise efficiency at Mach 0.78, along with winglets to reduce induced drag and enhance fuel economy.[31][17] The T-tail design positions the horizontal stabilizer above the jet exhaust path, minimizing interference from engine efflux and improving stability during high-speed flight.[17] Single-slotted flaps support short-field operations, enabling a takeoff distance of 4,350 feet at sea level under standard conditions.[4] The fuselage adopts a non-circular cross-section with a flat-floor cabin layout, offering 17.7 feet of usable length to accommodate up to nine passengers in a double-club arrangement, a height of 4 feet 9 inches, and a width of 5 feet 1 inch for comfortable stand-up access.[4][7] The cabin is pressurized to a maximum differential of 9.4 psi, maintaining a sea-level environment up to 25,700 feet and limiting cabin altitude to 8,000 feet at the aircraft's service ceiling of 51,000 feet.[30] Composite materials are incorporated in the winglets and various fairings to reduce weight while preserving aerodynamic smoothness.[17] Structurally, the Learjet 45 complies with FAR Part 25 certification standards, designed for limit load factors of +3.8g to -1.5g with flaps up and +2.0g to 0g with flaps down, corresponding to an ultimate load capability that supports rigorous operational demands including gust loads and short-field maneuvers.[30] This configuration, developed as a clean-sheet design initiated in 1993, emphasizes lightweight yet robust engineering for enhanced range and speed.[3]Propulsion and performance features
The Learjet 45 is powered by two Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines mounted on the rear fuselage, each delivering 3,500 lbf (15.6 kN) of thrust.[32] These engines are flat-rated to maintain full takeoff thrust up to ISA +16°C conditions at sea level, ensuring consistent performance in hot weather without derating.[33] The TFE731-20AR features digital electronic engine control (DEEC) for optimized fuel management and automatic performance reserve (APR), which increases thrust on the remaining engine by up to 365 lbf in the event of an engine failure.[17] These propulsion systems enable the Learjet 45 to achieve a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.81, equivalent to 465 knots true airspeed (TAS) at high altitude.[3] The aircraft's initial cruise altitude is typically 45,000 feet, with a certified service ceiling of 51,000 feet, allowing efficient stratospheric flight above most weather.[34] Balanced field length for takeoff is 4,350 feet under standard sea-level ISA conditions at maximum takeoff weight, supporting operations from shorter runways when lightly loaded.[4] The fuel system includes integral wing tanks providing 6,062 pounds (2,746 kg) of usable Jet A fuel, distributed for balanced loading during takeoff and landing.[4] This capacity supports a maximum range of 1,420 nautical miles with four passengers under NBAA IFR reserve requirements, emphasizing the aircraft's suitability for regional business missions.[5] Climb performance includes an initial rate of over 6,000 feet per minute at sea level under standard conditions, enabling rapid ascent to cruise altitude in under 25 minutes.[35] Landing distance over a 50-foot obstacle is 4,063 feet at maximum landing weight, aided by thrust reversers and anti-skid brakes for short-field capability.[4] Efficiency enhancements stem from the engines' moderate bypass ratio of 2.9:1, which balances thrust with lower specific fuel consumption and noise emissions during takeoff and climb.[36] The airframe's winglets reduce induced drag by smoothing wingtip vortices, contributing to approximately 10% improved fuel economy compared to earlier Learjet models without such features.[37] These elements collectively provide a high thrust-to-weight ratio, supporting the Learjet 45's reputation for responsive handling and operational versatility in the midsize jet category.[38]Avionics and cabin
The Learjet 45 features the Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics suite, which includes a four-tube electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) with two primary flight displays and two multifunction displays for enhanced situational awareness.[39] This system incorporates a Universal UNS-1C flight management system (FMS) for navigation and performance optimization, along with traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS II) for conflict detection and terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) for ground proximity alerts.[3][40] Dual Honeywell AZ-850 digital air data computers provide redundant processing for altitude, airspeed, and related parameters, supporting precise flight data integration.[40] The cockpit is designed for a two-pilot crew, with a layout that includes conventional control yokes and a compact instrument panel optimized for high-altitude operations.[3] The aircraft is compliant with Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) standards, enabling efficient routing in airspace above flight level 290.[41] An optional heads-up display (HUD) can be integrated for improved pilot visibility during critical phases of flight. Cabin systems maintain passenger comfort through a Honeywell environmental control system that delivers conditioned air via bleed from the engines, with a maximum differential pressure of 9.4 psi.[42] This setup achieves a cabin altitude equivalent of 8,000 feet when cruising at 51,000 feet, minimizing physiological stress on occupants.[43] The total cabin volume measures 415 cubic feet, encompassing the main passenger area and provisions for baggage.[4] While early models lack standard HEPA filtration, aftermarket upgrades can incorporate high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters for improved air quality.[44] The interior typically features a double-club seating arrangement accommodating 8 to 9 passengers, with four seats forward and four aft, plus an optional belted lavatory seat.[3] A forward refreshment galley and an enclosed aft lavatory provide basic amenities, while a flat floor enhances movement within the 19-foot-9-inch-long space.[4] Cabin noise levels remain below 72 dB during cruise, facilitated by improved insulation and aerodynamic design.[45] Safety features integrate seamlessly with the avionics, including a built-in emergency oxygen system with drop-down masks for rapid deployment in case of depressurization.[46] Fire suppression capabilities cover the engines and auxiliary power unit via dedicated extinguisher bottles, with cockpit indicators linked to the Primus 1000 for monitoring.[47] An Artex 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) is avionics-interfaced for automatic activation upon impact, aiding search and rescue efforts.[48]Variants
Learjet 40 and 40XR
The Learjet 40, a compact variant of the Learjet 45 family, received FAA certification on July 11, 2003, with the enhanced Learjet 40XR following in October 2004.[49][37] These models feature a fuselage shortened by 24.5 inches compared to the base Learjet 45 airframe, optimizing for 6 to 7 passengers in a more intimate cabin configuration while prioritizing efficiency on shorter routes.[50] This design choice results in reduced cabin volume of 363 cubic feet, including the lavatory, and overall weight savings of approximately 687 pounds, enhancing fuel efficiency for missions under 1,600 nautical miles.[50][51] Key performance distinctions include a standard range of 1,573 nautical miles for the Learjet 40 (with four passengers and reserves) and 1,780 nautical miles for the 40XR, reflecting the latter's improved fuel capacity and engine upgrades.[52][53] The 40XR incorporates Honeywell TFE731-20BR turbofan engines, each rated at 3,500 pounds of thrust, compared to the 40's TFE731-20AR variants; this upgrade provides greater thrust margins for hot-and-high airport operations and enables faster climb rates.[54][55] These modifications yield a slightly superior initial climb rate for both models relative to the longer Learjet 45, though the maximum payload is limited to about 2,300 pounds to maintain balance with the reduced fuselage.[52] Production of the Learjet 40 spanned from early 2004 to 2009, with approximately 40 units delivered, while the 40XR continued until 2012, totaling around 93 aircraft; overall, the variants accounted for about 133 deliveries in the family, aimed at cost-conscious operators seeking light-jet performance for regional travel.[56][57]Learjet 45 and 45XR
The Learjet 45 is the foundational model in its series, a mid-size business jet powered by two Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofan engines, each delivering 3,500 pounds of thrust.[4] Designed for up to 9 passengers plus 2 crew in a standard configuration, it features a maximum takeoff weight of 20,500 pounds and entered production following FAA certification in September 1997, with initial deliveries commencing in 1998 and continuing until the mid-2000s. A total of 248 base Learjet 45 aircraft were produced from 1998 until the mid-2000s, as part of the broader 45 series production.[5][11] The Learjet 45XR, an enhanced variant, received FAA certification in June 2004 to address performance limitations of the base model, particularly in high-density altitude environments.[16] It upgrades to Honeywell TFE731-20BR engines, which maintain the same thrust rating but incorporate refinements for better efficiency, yielding a roughly 15 percent range extension to 1,971 nautical miles (with four passengers) and superior climb rates in hot/high conditions.[38] This certification process included additional FAA validation of engine performance margins to ensure compliance with extended operational envelopes.[16] Both models utilize an identical airframe structure, with the 45XR achieving its gains through a 1,000-pound increase in maximum takeoff weight to 21,500 pounds and targeted software modifications, including bleed air load balancing to equalize engine output during demanding phases of flight.[58] In the market, the 45XR filled a key role by mitigating early user feedback on the base model's hot-and-high climb limitations, enabling more reliable operations from challenging airports while preserving the series' reputation for speed and efficiency.[59] Production of the 45XR ran from 2004 until 2012, with approximately 208 units delivered.[60]Learjet 70 and 75
The Learjet 70 and 75 represent stretched evolutions of the Learjet 45 platform, announced by Bombardier Aerospace at the 2012 European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) as successors to the Learjet 40 and 45 series. Development focused on enhancing passenger capacity and range through a fuselage extension of approximately 3 feet 2 inches for the Learjet 75 compared to the Learjet 45, enabling configurations for up to nine passengers, while the Learjet 70 offered seating for seven. The first flight of prototypes occurred in late 2012, leading to FAA type certification in November 2013 for both models.[61][62][63] The Learjet 70 entered service in late 2013, powered by two Honeywell TFE731-40BR turbofan engines each delivering 3,850 lbf (17.1 kN) of thrust with thrust reversers, building on the XR engine heritage from the Learjet 45XR for improved efficiency. It achieves a maximum range of 2,060 nautical miles with four passengers and two pilots, positioning it as a high-speed midsize option with a cruise speed of 465 knots. Production ran until 2021, with 13 units delivered in total. The fuselage was reinforced to accommodate a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 21,500 lb (9,752 kg), supporting the added structural demands of the stretch.[63][64][36] In 2019, Bombardier introduced the Learjet 75 Liberty as an updated variant of the Learjet 75, featuring a refined luxury interior with a six-passenger executive configuration, including a forward two-seat suite for enhanced privacy and productivity. It incorporates the five-screen Garmin G5000 avionics suite with synthetic vision and touchscreen controls for reduced pilot workload. The Liberty's cabin volume measures 410 cubic feet, with dimensions of 19 feet 10 inches long, 5 feet 1 inch wide, and 4 feet 11 inches high, offering a flat-floor design unique in its class. A total of approximately 150 Learjet 75 aircraft were produced from 2014 until 2021, including the Liberty variant, with only six Learjet 75 Liberty units built before production ceased, with the final Learjet aircraft delivered in the first quarter of 2022.[65][66][67][68] These variants were marketed as premium midsize business jets, bridging the gap between lighter Learjet models and Bombardier's larger Challenger and Global series by combining high performance—such as a 51,000-foot service ceiling—with refined cabin amenities like Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and optional galleys. The reinforced airframe and updated winglets contributed to better fuel efficiency and climb rates, maintaining the Learjet legacy of speed while addressing demands for greater comfort and range in the midsize segment.[69][70]Operators
Civil operators
The Learjet 45 family serves a diverse array of civil operators worldwide, primarily in fractional ownership, charter services, and corporate transport roles, with an active global fleet estimated at approximately 230 aircraft as of 2025.[21] Approximately 80% of these are based in the United States, reflecting the model's popularity for domestic business aviation. Usage patterns emphasize short-haul business travel, with average annual utilization of about 400 flight hours per aircraft. Fractional and charter operators form a significant portion of the civil user base. In Europe, Avionord of Italy operates Learjet 45 jets in its charter fleet, configured for eight passengers plus one in a dual-club layout, focusing on executive transport across the continent.[71] Recent additions include Amelia Executive in Austria, which received air operator certification for a Learjet 45 in July 2025 to expand its charter operations, and Flight Options in Australia, which inducted a Learjet 45XR into service in November 2025 for medical retrieval charters.[72][73] In August 2025, UK's 247 Aviation acquired two Learjet 45s to support its expanding operations.[74] Corporate users leverage the Learjet 45 for internal operations and executive travel. Ryanair in Ireland operates a small fleet of four Learjet 45 variants, including three 45XRs acquired between 2012 and 2015 and one standard 45 added in 2022, primarily for crew, maintenance staff, and parts transport across Europe.[75] In the U.S., Aery Aviation added a Learjet 45 to its Part 135 charter fleet in August 2025, enhancing its operations from Newport News, Virginia.[76] Security Aviation in Alaska acquired its second Learjet 45 in 2021 for regional corporate and utility missions. In June 2025, Australia's Pacific Flight Services retired its last Learjet 45.[77] Historically, major airlines utilized the Learjet 45 for pilot training before retiring their fleets. Singapore Airlines operated six Learjet 45 aircraft through its Singapore Flying College for cadet pilot instruction until the early 2010s.[78] Similarly, Cathay Pacific Airways acquired at least one Learjet 45 in 2001 for training purposes, basing it in Australia for operations similar to its mainline fleet.[79] Eurofly Service in Italy previously flew Learjet 45 jets for charter services until around 2010.[80]Military and government operators
The Learjet 45 has seen limited but notable adoption by military and government entities worldwide, primarily for VIP transport, training support, and specialized missions such as maritime patrol and calibration. These operators value the aircraft's speed, range, and reliability for official state duties, often adapting it for dual roles beyond standard business jet functions. The Irish Air Corps, part of the Irish Defence Forces, operates a single Learjet 45 that entered service in 2004 as part of 102 Squadron at Casement Aerodrome. This aircraft supports ministerial air transport for government officials, as well as maritime patrol and instrument flight calibration tasks, operating seven days a week to meet diverse operational needs. A replacement is scheduled for delivery in December 2025.[81][82] The Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea del Perú) has utilized Learjet 45 variants for VIP transport since around 2000, including duties for presidential and high-level command travel. At least one aircraft, registration FAP-526 (MSN 45-345, a Learjet 45XR), remains active in this role, providing efficient regional connectivity across South America.[83][84][85] The Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana) previously maintained a fleet of Learjet 45XR aircraft for official government transport and support missions prior to incidents in 2008 and 2021 that reduced its numbers. These jets facilitated rapid executive travel and logistical operations within Mexico and neighboring regions.[86][87] Oman's Military Technical College operates a Learjet 45 (MSN 45-035) for training and utility purposes, preserved as part of its aviation education fleet to support technical instruction in aerospace operations.[88] Several operators have begun phasing out Learjet 45s post-2020 in favor of newer platforms with enhanced capabilities, reflecting broader trends in military aviation modernization.Safety record
Accident statistics
The Learjet 45 family has recorded 13 total accidents in the Aviation Safety Network (ASN) database from its introduction in 1998 through 2025, of which 10 resulted in hull losses.[89] The industry average for midsize business jets is around 1.68 fatal accidents per million flight hours (or 0.168 per 100,000) during 2000–2007.[90] Across these incidents, there have been 24 fatalities in total. Early operations from 1998 to 2005 showed a higher incident rate, largely linked to compliance with airworthiness directives (ADs) on systems like thrust reversers and flight controls; this improved significantly after 2004 with the introduction of XR variants featuring enhanced engines and range capabilities.[91] Comparatively, the Learjet 45 demonstrates a stronger safety profile than earlier Learjet models, such as the 20/25/35 series, which experienced fatal rates exceeding 2.0 per 100,000 hours in the 1980s and 1990s due to handling characteristics.[92] Its record aligns closely with contemporaries like the Cessna Citation XLS, benefiting from FAA oversight through mandatory service bulletins addressing common issues like landing gear and avionics reliability. As of November 2025, the Learjet 45 fleet has seen no fatal accidents since 2021, supported by ongoing safety enhancements mandated by Bombardier, including upgrades to TCAS and weather radar systems in active aircraft.Notable incidents
On November 4, 2008, a Learjet 45 operated by the Mexican government, registration XC-VMC, crashed approximately 12 km west of Mexico City-Benito Juárez International Airport during approach, killing all nine people on board—including Interior Minister Juan Camilo Mouriño—and seven people on the ground.[93] The aircraft encountered wake turbulence from a preceding Boeing 767, leading to loss of control; investigators noted the crew's delay in reducing airspeed as a contributing factor, along with inadequate wake turbulence training.[93] The jet impacted a residential area, causing a post-crash fire that damaged buildings and vehicles, with over 40 ground injuries reported.[87] In March 2003, an Australian-registered Learjet 45 experienced severe in-flight vibration and a sudden nose-down pitch excursion at cruising altitude due to a fractured jackscrew in the horizontal stabilizer actuator assembly (HSAA).[94] The crew recovered control without injury or aircraft damage, but the incident prompted a fleet-wide investigation revealing material brittleness in the HSAA component (part number 6627401000-001).[94] This led to FAA Airworthiness Directive 2003-16-19 on August 13, 2003, grounding all 222 Learjet 45 aircraft worldwide—173 in the U.S. and 11 in the U.K.—for immediate replacement of the jackscrew with a redesigned version lacking a stress-inducing notch; operations resumed after software and fuel system modifications on over 50 affected aircraft.[95] On June 1, 2003, a Learjet 45 operated by Eurojet Italia, registration I-ERJC, crashed shortly after takeoff from Milano-Linate Airport in Italy, killing both pilots.[96] The aircraft ingested pigeons during initial climb from runway 36R, causing engine damage and an aerodynamic stall; the crew failed to follow proper engine failure procedures, exacerbating the loss of control.[96] The jet impacted terrain 300 meters from the runway near a warehouse during the Giro d'Italia cycling event, with contributing factors including poor crew resource management, the first officer's inexperience, and inadequate bird hazard mitigation at the airport.[97] On February 21, 2021, a Learjet 45XR operated by the Mexican Air Force, registration 3912, crashed near Xalapa Airport, Mexico, killing all six people on board.[98] The aircraft burst into flames upon impact; the cause was under investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting possible mechanical failure or pilot error.[98] On November 29, 2022, a Learjet 45 operated by Jett Aircraft, registration N988MC, suffered a runway excursion at Batesville Regional Airport in Arkansas during a visual approach, resulting in substantial damage but no fatalities.[99] The two pilots sustained minor injuries, while the six passengers were uninjured; the aircraft landed long—2,000 feet past the threshold—on the 6,022-foot wet runway due to excessive airspeed, incorrect flap configuration, and the crew's decision not to execute a go-around during an unstable approach.[100] The jet overran at over 100 knots, veering into a ditch and striking the perimeter fence, which tore open the forward fuselage.[99]Specifications
General characteristics
The Learjet 45 is a midsize business jet designed for efficiency and versatility in private aviation, featuring a crew of two pilots and accommodation for up to nine passengers in a standard configuration.[3] Its airframe incorporates a low-wing monoplane structure with winglets for enhanced aerodynamics, measuring 58 feet 0 inches in overall length, 47 feet 10 inches in wingspan, 14 feet 1 inch in height, and 311.6 square feet in wing area. The aircraft's basic empty weight is 12,850 pounds, with a maximum ramp weight of 20,750 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight of 20,500 pounds.[4] Power is provided by two Honeywell TFE731-20AR-2B turbofan engines, each delivering 3,500 pounds of thrust at takeoff.[3] The fuel system holds 6,062 pounds of usable jet fuel, enabling a payload of 798 pounds with full tanks.[4] The cabin offers 415 cubic feet of volume, including 51 cubic feet dedicated to baggage storage, while the pressurization system maintains a differential of 9.4 psi for passenger comfort at high altitudes.[4][101] It requires a takeoff runway length of 4,350 feet under standard conditions at maximum takeoff weight.[102]| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 |
| Passengers (max) | 9 |
| Empty Weight | 12,850 lb |
| Max Ramp Weight | 20,750 lb |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 20,500 lb |
| Usable Fuel | 6,062 lb |
| Payload w/ Full Fuel | 798 lb |
| Engines | 2 × Honeywell TFE731-20AR-2B (3,500 lbf ea.) |
| Cabin Volume | 415 cu ft |
| Baggage Volume | 51 cu ft |
| Pressurization | 9.4 psi |
| Takeoff Runway (MTOW) | 4,350 ft |
Performance
The Learjet 45 demonstrates strong performance characteristics for a midsize business jet, enabling efficient operations on short to medium-haul routes. Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-20AR-2B turbofan engines each rated at 3,500 pounds of thrust, the aircraft achieves a maximum speed of 465 knots true airspeed (TAS) and a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.81.[4][3] Approach speed is typically 130 knots, facilitating access to a wide range of airports.[103] In terms of range and endurance, the Learjet 45 offers a maximum range of 1,823 nautical miles with four passengers (NBAA IFR reserves), suitable for transcontinental flights under standard conditions. A typical mission duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes, balancing speed and fuel efficiency for common business applications.[45][104] The aircraft's climb performance is notable, with an initial rate of 6,000 feet per minute allowing rapid ascent to cruise altitudes, and a service ceiling of 51,000 feet for optimal high-altitude operations. At maximum altitude, cruise speed is limited to Mach 0.78 to maintain efficiency.[3][4] Runway performance supports operations from shorter fields, with a balanced field length of 4,350 feet for takeoff and a landing distance of 4,063 feet over a 50-foot obstacle. Fuel efficiency is achieved with an average cruise burn rate of approximately 1,800–2,000 pounds per hour (first hour ~2,100 lb/hr, subsequent ~1,600 lb/hr).[4][3]| Parameter | Value | Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 465 knots TAS | High-speed cruise capability[4] |
| Cruise Speed | Mach 0.81 | Normal operations[3] |
| Approach Speed | 130 knots | Typical Vref[103] |
| Range (4 passengers) | 1,823 nm | NBAA IFR reserves[45] |
| Typical Mission Time | 2 hr 45 min | Standard profile[104] |
| Initial Climb Rate | 6,000 fpm | Sea level, standard conditions[3] |
| Service Ceiling | 51,000 ft | Certified maximum[4] |
| Balanced Field Length | 4,350 ft | Sea level, standard day[4] |
| Landing Distance | 4,063 ft | Over 50 ft obstacle[4] |
| Fuel Burn (Cruise) | ~1,800–2,000 lb/hr | Average at Mach 0.81 (first hour ~2,100 lb/hr, subsequent ~1,600 lb/hr)[3] |
| Max Altitude Cruise | Mach 0.78 | FL450+ operations[3] |