Learjet 55

BRIEF HISTORY – LEARJET 55

BOMBARDIER LEARJET 55 (1981-1987) BOMBARDIER LEARJET 55C (1988-1990)
The LearJet 55, nicknamed “Longhorn”, is a business jet produced by Learjet in Kansas. The LearJet 50 series, featuring larger cabins than the available LearJet’s of the time, was initially revealed at the 1977 Paris Air Show. The LearJet 54, 55, and 56 were planned to be three versions of the series, however only the Learjet 55 was completed. After significant testing and work on the wing design, which originated with the Learjet 25, construction of the Learjet 55 began in April 1978. The Learjet 55 took to the air for the first time on April 19, 1979. The first production aircraft was delivered on March 18, 1981. A total of 147 Learjet 55 planes were delivered.In 1986, the 55B was introduced, which included digital avionics and a higher maximum takeoff weight. Followed by, the FAA awarding certification to the model 55C in 1988. The 55C was the first Learjet to include the now-ubiquitous delta fins. These longitudinal tail surfaces increase handling and performance while also providing stall-avoidance capabilities. Auxiliary tanks extend the range of the 55C/ER and 55C/LR. The Learjet 55C was manufactured from 1989 to 1991 and only had a manufacturing run of 14 aircraft before being superseded in 1992 by the P&W-powered Learjet 60.

CABIN COMFORTS – LEARJET 55C
The Learjet 55C’s interior is designed for six people (seven with a belted lavatory seat).  The redesigned fuselage that was introduced with the 55-series gives significantly more cabin space than previous LearJet models. There are external baggage compartments in the nose and aft fuselage areas totaling 20 cubic feet (0.57 cu m), as well as an interior baggage compartment, measuring 40 cubic feet  (1.13 cu m), in the cabin aft of the lavatory. The cabin has a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.74 m), a width of 5 feet 9 inches (1.8 m), and a length of 13 feet 7 inches (4.14 m).A four-place club configuration with a single seat opposite the half-width lavatory in the aft cabin is the most common cabin layout. A two-person side-facing bench seat is positioned ahead of the club, and on the forward port cabin bulkhead is a tiny galley/refreshment center.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE – LEARJET 55C
Two Honeywell TFE731-3A-2B turbofan engines are used in the LearJet 55/55C. At take-off, each engine produces 3,700 pounds of thrust. The LearJet 55 has a fuel consumption rate of 188 gallons per hour. The LearJet 55C requires 5,039 feet (1,536 m) of runway to take off at sea level. This take-off requirement grows to 9,400 feet (2,865 m) of runway at an elevation of 5,000 feet (1,524 m).This business jet needs a 3,250 foot (991 m) runway to land with four passengers. In a long-range cruise configuration, the Learjet 55 can sustain an airspeed of 419 knots (482 mph) at an altitude of 43,000 feet (13,106 m) during a voyage to another location. In a high-speed cruise configuration, the Learjet 55 can sustain a velocity of 447 knots (514 mph) at an altitude of 41,000 feet (12,497 m) for a faster trip. The Learjet 55 has a range of 2,039 nautical miles (2,348 mi / 3,779 km) while carrying four people.

FLIGHT DECK – LEARJET 55C
Bombardier equipped the 55 series with King 90A GPS, Collins ADF 60, dual Collins VHF20A communication radios, dual Collins VIR30A navigation radios, Collins color weather radar, dual Collins TDR90 transponders, Global flight management system (FMS) GNS/XLS, DME40 distance measuring equipment, and traffic collision avoidance system are among the avionics systems included in the design of the Learjet 55. (TCAS). The Collins EFIS-85L five-tube system with right- and left-side electronic attitude director indications and electronic horizontal situation indicators, as well as a central multifunction display, comes standard with the Learjet 55C. Collins AHS-85 AHRS, WXR-350 weather radar, APS-85 autopilot, and twin Pro Line 2 VHS comm and nav radios are also included.

CHARTER A LEARJET 55 / 55C
With a range of nearly 2,100 miles and top speeds of 480 mph, the LearJet 55 is suited best for mid- to short-range travel with around 4 adults. The 407 cubic feet cabin and 60 cubic feet of storage space on the LearJet offer plenty of comfort and utility even when fully loaded with seven people. CharterJets Inc. features the newest and highest safety rated Learjet 55 / 55C’s available. Reach out today to discuss your upcoming travel!