Learjet 85 Back on Track

FLYING Staff

Thursday, May 07, 2009 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Learjet Model 85

Key Takeaways:

Bombardier's Learjet division is developing the Learjet 85, an all-composite midsize business jet aiming to be the first of its type certified under Part 25.
Despite the failure of its primary partner Grob and global economic challenges, Bombardier emphatically reconfirmed its commitment to the program.
The company will now handle airframe design in Montreal and component construction in Mexico, with final assembly in Wichita.
Certification and first deliveries for the Learjet 85, which will offer a 3,000 nm range and Mach .82 speed, are still projected for early 2013.

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At a web-based press conference officials of Bombardier’s Learjet division gave a progress report on the status of the company’s Learjet 85 all-composite midsize bizjet. If it succeeds, the 85 would be the first all-composite business jet to earn certification under Part 25.

The program, however, appeared to be at risk with the failure of primary partner German airplane builder Grob late last year coupled with the global economic downturn.