Aircraft Spotlight: Lear 45
Aircraft Spotlight: Lear 45
If you look in almost any bizjet hangar, chances are you’re going to see the unmistakable lines of a Learjet 45. It’s one of the most recognizable airframes in the industry, and, though it’s a clean-sheet design from Bombardier, it’s the direct descendant of first aircraft that could be called a “business jet.”
Bill Lear: The Visionary
William Powell "Bill" Lear was an American inventor and entrepreneur born in 1902. He had a knack for understanding emerging technologies and was a self-taught engineer. Over his lifetime, Lear received over 120 patents for various innovations. Some of his most notable inventions outside of aviation include the car radio (he co-founded Motorola) and the 8-track stereo tape player, for which, I’m sure, Kenny Rogers is exceedingly thankful.
However, it was in aviation where Bill Lear truly left an indelible mark.
The Birth of Learjet
In the early 1960s, Bill Lear saw an opportunity in the business aviation market. At that time, most business aircraft were propeller-driven and lacked the speed or luxury that a growing corporate world demanded.
Inspired by Swiss fighter aircraft, the P-16, Lear sought to create a jet that combined speed, luxury, and efficiency. The result was the first Learjet, known as the Model 23.
Key points in Learjet's history include:
1963: The Learjet Model 23 made its maiden flight. It was a revolutionary aircraft for its time, being one of the first-ever private jets. With its distinctive T-tail and engines mounted on the rear of the fuselage, the jet became an instant status symbol.
1964: Learjet was officially certified, and the first deliveries began. Celebrities, executives, and other high-profile individuals became proud owners of the Learjet, solidifying its status in pop culture.
1970s: Bill Lear sold his interest in the company, but the brand continued to innovate. The '70s saw the introduction of the Model 24, 25, 28, and 29, each building on the success of its predecessor.
1980s: The company, now under different leadership, continued to introduce new models and innovations. The longer-range Model 55 "Longhorn" and the Model 31 were notable entrants during this period.
1990s-Present: Bombardier Aerospace, a Canadian firm, acquired Learjet in 1990. Under this new ownership, Learjet introduced models like the Learjet 40, 45, 60, and the 85, keeping the brand at the forefront of business aviation.
Legacy and Impact
The Learjet, throughout its iterations, has become synonymous with private aviation. Its distinctive design and unparalleled performance set the industry standard for what a business jet should be. Even today, the term "Learjet" is sometimes generically used to refer to any private jet, attesting to its cultural impact.
Bill Lear's vision was to provide fast, efficient, and luxurious air travel for the business elite. He achieved this and more, creating an aviation icon that transcended its primary purpose to become a symbol of success and aspiration.
That brings us to the Lear 45…
The Learjet 45: A Legend
In the vast arena of private aviation, the Learjet name carries an almost iconic weight. For decades, Learjets have been synonymous with luxury, speed, and performance. One of the standout models in this lineage is the Learjet 45, a testament to Bombardier's continued commitment to excellence in aviation. In this review, we'll delve into the Learjet 45, its features, performance metrics, and its positioning in the broader market of business jets.
Historical Background:
Introduced to the market in the 1990s, the Learjet 45 was a clean-sheet response to the evolving needs of the modern business traveler. Upon its introduction, it featured a new fuselage. wing, and tail. In fact, it shares only a few components with earlier Learjets. As business operations became increasingly global, there was a pronounced demand for a jet that could offer range, speed, and efficiency without compromising comfort.
Performance and Technical Specifications:
Engines: Powered by two Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, the Learjet 45 boasts impressive performance and reliability. This ensures not only a smooth flight experience but also the jet's reputation for timely point-to-point travel.
Range: With a range in excess of 1500 nautical miles, the Learjet 45 can easily handle cross-country routes, making west-east coast-to-coast US trips within the realm of possibility, if not practicality. Trips across the pond are probably out of the question in the 45, but are technically possible.
Speed: The aircraft can reach cruise speeds of around Mach 0.80. This means faster trips and a competitive edge in the light-to-midsize jet category.
Runway Performance: One of the notable features of the Learjet 45 is its ability to operate from relatively short runways. This gives passengers the flexibility to use smaller airports, thus providing proximity to final destinations and avoiding the hustle and bustle of major hubs.
Learjet 45XR
The Learjet 45XR is an upgraded version of the Model 45, introduced in June 2004, offering substantially higher takeoff weights, faster cruise speeds and faster time-to-climb rates than the Model 45, chiefly through modifications to the engine.
The XR allowed a gross weight 1,000 pounds greater than the original Model 45, greatly increasing payload and fuel/range options. The aircraft also has exceptionally short runway requirements for mid-size bizjets, capable of flights from 4,000-foot runways at lower elevations and tempuratures below 90 degrees F.
The 45XR's performance and specifications increases are due to the upgrading of the engines to the TFE731-20BR configuration, flat-rated to 3,650 pounds of thrust, even at 104 degrees Fahrenheit, well above the 88-degree mark for that power from the original Model 45's -20 engines.
The Model 45 cockpit is equipped with a four-screen Honeywell Primus 1000 EFIS avionics system, with TCAS and EGPWS.
Cabin Comfort and Amenities:
While the Learjet 45 excels in terms of performance, it doesn't skimp on luxury.
Space: The cabin, though classified in the light-to-midsize category, is spacious, with ample head and legroom. It typically seats 8 passengers but can accommodate up to 9.
Design: Bombardier has ensured a meticulous design approach. The layout feels airy, the seats are plush, and the overall ambiance resonates with luxury.
Amenities: The jet features a well-equipped mini galley, a private lavatory, and customizable entertainment options. The ample baggage compartment ensures travelers can carry essentials for both business and leisure.
Operational Costs and Maintenance:
For operators, one of the attractive features of the Learjet 45 is its operational efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency: While it's a powerful jet, its fuel consumption is relatively moderate, especially considering its range and speed.
Maintenance: The jet's design facilitates relatively easy routine checks, translating to reduced down time. Additionally, we at APEX have continually had at least one Lear 45 under our care for a large portion of the company’s existence, and we know them inside and out.
Market Position and Competitiveness:
In the light-to-midsize category, the Learjet 45 faces competition from jets like the Beechjet and the Citation Excel. However, its blend of range, speed, and cabin comfort makes it a formidable contender.
Its entry price point on the pre-owned market, combined with its operational cost efficiency, makes it an attractive proposition for charter services, corporate entities, and private owners.
Specifications (Learjet 45XR):
Crew: 2
Capacity: Up to 9 passengers
Length: 58 ft 0 in (17.68 m)
Wingspan: 47 ft 10 in (14.58 m)
Height: 14 ft 1 in (4.30 m)
Wing area: 311.6 sq ft (28.95 m2)
Empty weight: 12,850 lb (5,829 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 21,500 lb (9,752 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell TFE731-20BR turbofan, 3,650 lbf (16.2 kN) thrust each
Performance
Maximum speed: 533 mph (858 km/h, 463 kn) (max cruise)
Cruise speed: 510 mph (804 km/h, 445 kn)
Range: 1,968 mi (3,167 km, 1,710 nmi) (4 passengers)
Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Up and Away:
The Learjet 45 is a culmination of Bombardier's vision of marrying performance with luxury while building on Bill Lear’s legacy. It stands as a testament to what a modern business jet should offer – the ability to traverse long distances swiftly, without compromising on the comfort of the journey.
For potential buyers or charterers, this jet promises reliability. For passengers, it assures a journey where convenience meets luxury. In a market crowded with options, the Learjet 45 distinctly carves its niche, echoing the legacy of its predecessors while embracing the future of private aviation.