Learjet
Learjet 55
The Learjet 55, introduced by the American manufacturer Learjet in 1979, marked a pivotal evolution in the company’s business‑jet lineup. Emerging from the successful Learjet 35/36 family, the 55 featured a stretched fuselage that added 2 feet 4 inches of cabin length, allowing for a more comfortable seating arrangement for up to eight passengers while preserving the sleek, aerodynamic profile that defined Learjet’s reputation. Powered by twin Garrett TFE731‑3‑1B turbofan engines, the aircraft delivered a cruise speed of 464 knots (approximately 534 mph) and a maximum range of 2,000 nautical miles, making nonstop transcontinental flights feasible for corporate clientele.
Key design innovations included a modern avionics suite, leading‑edge slats for improved low‑speed handling, and a larger fuel capacity achieved through additional wing tanks—features that enhanced both performance and operational flexibility. The Learjet 55 also benefitted from a reinforced landing gear system, enabling operations from shorter, austere runways and broadening its market appeal. Its blend of speed, range, and cabin comfort cemented the model’s status as a workhorse for executives, air‑ambulance services, and governmental missions, contributing significantly to the popularization of private jet travel and reinforcing Learjet’s legacy as a pioneer in high‑performance business aviation.
Key design innovations included a modern avionics suite, leading‑edge slats for improved low‑speed handling, and a larger fuel capacity achieved through additional wing tanks—features that enhanced both performance and operational flexibility. The Learjet 55 also benefitted from a reinforced landing gear system, enabling operations from shorter, austere runways and broadening its market appeal. Its blend of speed, range, and cabin comfort cemented the model’s status as a workhorse for executives, air‑ambulance services, and governmental missions, contributing significantly to the popularization of private jet travel and reinforcing Learjet’s legacy as a pioneer in high‑performance business aviation.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 147
- First Flight
- 1979
- Service Entry
- 1981