LearJet-35: Sunset of the Round-the-World Business Jet

The LearJet 35 first took to the air in 1973, and within a few months it was in mass production, which continued until 1994. Over 21 years, Lear Jet Corporation, which later became part of Bombardier Aerospace, produced 738 aircraft, many of which are still in service today.


Aircraft is distinguished by its versatility in terms of use: in many countries it is part of the Air Force. True, it is called differently - in the USA, for example, it is the C-21A. It is also used by private airlines and state administrative structures.

History of appearance and modification

The aircraft was then distinguished by its comparatively long range – up to 2 km. By 800, the company had produced 1976 aircraft. However, at that time, the market demanded small aircraft capable of transatlantic flights.


And Bombardier designers suggested modifying the existing model, increasing its range to 4 km. In this case, Honeywell TFE488-731-2B engines were used, consuming 2 liters of fuel per hour of flight. This is how the LearJet 745,7A appeared, which, several months later, successfully flew across the ocean.


Almost immediately with the 35th model, the 36th appeared. It was distinguished by an elongated fuselage and a larger fuel tank capacity. As a result of the updates, the machine began to fly even further - 5 thousand 292 kilometers. It also accommodated more passengers - 8 people versus 6 on the 35A.


However, a nuance appeared: the modernized vessel could take less cargo. To level this point, another modification of the 36A with more powerful engines was built. The machine received a type certificate in 1976 and replaced the "thirty-sixth" model.

Other Learjet Features

The low-wing aircraft is equipped with a pair of engines located on the sides of the fuselage in the tail section. The flaps are single-slotted.


The machine is distinguished by the original placement of additional fuel tanks - they are located at the ends of the planes. Where passenger aircraft today have winglets - endings.


The business jet is based on the then obsolete Learjet 25BGF model. One of the machines (Learjet-28) of the family was once purchased by Frank Sinatra.

Cab and salon

The Learjet-35A uses almost the same avionics as the Cessna Citation Bravo. However, more modern equipment was installed later, including a digital autopilot and IFMS – integrated flight management. The aircraft is piloted by two pilots.


The cabin can accommodate 6 to 8 people, served by one flight attendant. Behind the leather passenger seats is a luggage compartment that can hold up to 225 kg of cargo.

Exploitation

The machine has good technical parameters for a small aircraft with turbofan engines. This is not only the flight range, but also the speed, reaching 900 km/h. And also the ability to land and take off from poorly prepared runways.


And the takeoff run is relatively short – 1,458 km, 879 m is enough for landing. All this greatly attracted the military, who actively purchased the machine. For example, the US Air Force purchased 60 units of equipment, then another 20.

Problems

Unfortunately, Learjet has become "famous" for a large number of accidents, many of which ended tragically. If we talk about all versions (35, 35A, 36 and 36A) in general, then, starting from the moment of operation in 1973, 90 machines out of the 738s produced have been lost. The number of people killed is 186. This is a lot: it turns out that almost every eighth aircraft, one way or another, ended its service life ahead of time. Although, the military always says little about the true reasons for the loss of an aircraft.