Learjet
Learjet 28
The Learjet 28, developed by the American manufacturer Learjet in the late 1970s, represented a pivotal evolution in the company’s line of business jets. Building on the success of the earlier Model 24, the 28 incorporated a stretched fuselage and more powerful Garrett TFE731-3 turbofan engines, boosting cruise speed to just over Mach 0.78 and extending range to approximately 2,200 nautical miles. First flown on 12 June 1979, the aircraft received its type certification in early 1981 and entered limited production the following year, with a total of 45 units delivered to corporate and governmental operators worldwide.
Key features included a pressurized cabin with a stand‑up aisle, advanced avionics for the era such as a dual‑horizontal‑sweep VOR/ILS system, and an enhanced wing design featuring leading‑edge slats that improved low‑speed handling. The 28’s relatively low operating costs and its ability to use shorter runways made it popular for charter services and regional air‑taxi operations.
Its significance lies in bridging the gap between early light jets and the more capable midsize aircraft that followed, influencing later Learjet models like the 31 and 35 and cementing Learjet’s reputation for delivering fast, efficient, and versatile business aviation solutions.
Key features included a pressurized cabin with a stand‑up aisle, advanced avionics for the era such as a dual‑horizontal‑sweep VOR/ILS system, and an enhanced wing design featuring leading‑edge slats that improved low‑speed handling. The 28’s relatively low operating costs and its ability to use shorter runways made it popular for charter services and regional air‑taxi operations.
Its significance lies in bridging the gap between early light jets and the more capable midsize aircraft that followed, influencing later Learjet models like the 31 and 35 and cementing Learjet’s reputation for delivering fast, efficient, and versatile business aviation solutions.
Classification
Performance
- Service Ceiling
- 15550 metre
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1977