Learjet
Learjet 25
The Learjet 25, introduced in 1966 by the American manufacturer Learjet, represented the first true business jet to combine high speed, low operating costs, and pressurized cabin comfort for the emerging corporate market. Developed from the earlier Model 23, the 25 featured an all‑metal low‑wing design, retractable landing gear, and twin Garrett TFE731 turbofan engines that delivered 2,800 pounds of thrust each. Its sleek 35‑foot fuselage accommodated up to eight passengers and a small office area, while the certified maximum altitude of 45,000 feet allowed smooth, weather‑free cruise at Mach 0.81. The aircraft’s innovative use of a system‑wide digital fire‑wall and a simple, yet robust, hydraulic control architecture contributed to its reputation for reliability. Over 400 units were built, and the 25 quickly became a favorite among corporations, private owners, and air‑ambulance operators because of its rapid climb rate—reaching 30,000 feet in under ten minutes—and its ability to operate from short runways. The Learjet 25 helped establish the “light jet” category, influencing subsequent designs such as the Learjet 28/29 and cementing Learjet’s legacy as a pioneer of efficient, high‑performance business aviation.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1966
- Service Entry
- 1967