Learjet 55

The Learjet 55 "Longhorn" is an American business jet manufactured by Learjet.

Learjet 55
Learjet 55 on final approach
Role Business jet
National origin United States
Manufacturer Learjet
First flight 19 April 1979
Introduction 1981
Status Active, not in production
Produced 1979–1987
Number built 147

Development and design

The Learjet 50 series was first announced at the 1977 Paris air show with larger cabins than the existing Learjets.[1] The series was to have three variants, the Learjet 54, 55 and 56 but only the Learjet 55 was built.[1] The Learjet 55 was a low-wing cantilever monoplane with NASA developed winglets, the winglets gave rise to the nickname Longhorn. The aircraft has a T-tail and is powered by two Garrett TFE731 turbofans mounted each side of the rear fuselage.[1] It has a retractable tricycle landing gear and an enclosed cabin for up to ten passengers and a cockpit for the two crew.[1] Construction of the Learjet 55 began in April 1978 after extensive testing and work on the wing design which came, initially, from the Learjet 25. The Learjet 55 first flew on 19 April 1979. The first production aircraft were produced starting 18 March 1981. 147 Learjet 55 aircraft were delivered.

By 2018, a Learjet 55 can be had for $1 million or less.[2]

Variants
Learjet 54
Proposed 11-seat variant, not built.[3]
Learjet 55
Production variant, 126 built.[3]
Learjet 55B
1986 - Improved version with a glass cockpit, improved take-off performance and increased range, 8 built.[3]
Learjet 55C
1987 - New rear underfuselage design, delta fins to increase stability and reduced the landing speed.
Learjet 55C/ER
Extended-range version of the Learjet 55C.
Learjet 55C/LR
Long-range version of the Learjet 55C, fitted with an extra tank, carrying an extra 259 lb (117 kg) of fuel in the tail cone.
Learjet 56
Proposed eight-seat version, not built.[3]

Operators
 Dominican Republic

Specifications (Learjet 55)

Data from Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 10
  • Length: 55 ft 1 in (16.80 m)
  • Wingspan: 43 ft 10 in (13.35 m)
  • Height: 14 ft 8 in (4.48 m)
  • Wing area: 264.5 sq ft (24.57 m2)
  • Empty weight: 13,000 lb (5,897 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 21,500 lb (9,752 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Garrett TFE731-3A-2B turbofan aero-engine, 3,700 lbf (16 kN) thrust each

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 541 mph (871 km/h, 470 kn) at 30,000ft (9145m)
  • Cruise speed: 462 mph (744 km/h, 402 kn) at 49,000ft (14935m)
  • Range: 2,492 mi (4,010 km, 2,165 nmi) with four passengers and fuel reserves
  • Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (16,000 m)
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References

Notes
  1. Orbis 1985, p. 1935
  2. Mark Huber (December 2018). "For many models, market hitting the apex" (PDF). Aviation International News. pp. 20–21, 24.
  3. Simpson 1991, pp. 187-188
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-10-22. Retrieved 2014-09-29.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

Bibliography
  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985). Orbis Publishing.
  • Simpson, R.W. (1991). Airlife's General Aviation. England: Airlife Publishing. ISBN 1-85310-194-X.
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