Bombardier B : Bombardier Learjet 85 Aircraft Production in Full Swing

May 11, 2012 - Montréal
Aerospace

Bombardier Aerospace today shared significant progress details on its all new Learjet 85 aircraft highlighting flight test aircraft production and program test milestones.

Work on the two first flight test aircraft and the complete aircraft static test article is well underway, with the production of hundreds of composite components, including the unique 32-foot composite pressure fuselage. The joining of the nose fuselage to the main pressure fuselage, as well as the assembly of the aft fuselage, vertical stabilizer and tailcone fuselage sections, have all begun at the Bombardier sites in Wichita, Kansas and Querétaro, Mexico.

The first shipments of wing spars and skins, manufactured at Bombardier's site in Belfast, Northern Ireland, have arrived at the Querétaro site, where wing assembly has started. Additionally, major supplier components, such as the aircraft's Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, are now on site at the final assembly line in Wichita.

A ground breaking ceremony on April 30th marked the official start of the next phase of the Learjet Wichita site expansion plan, which includes building a new production flight facility, paint facilities and a new delivery centre to support the Learjet 85 aircraft.

"We're entering an exciting phase of the program," said Ralph Acs, Vice President and General Manager, Learjet, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "Our sites are moving full speed ahead and the production of the first flight test aircraft is progressing very well. We have solid momentum in all areas and it's great to see the focus and commitment of our Bombardier employees and suppliers worldwide as we assemble our first test aircraft and prepare for first flight."

Initial bird strike development testing on the Learjet 85 aircraft has been successfully achieved, and over 85 per cent of the system supplier safety of flight (SOF) test rigs have been commissioned.

The new Learjet 85 aircraft - Redefining the midsize segment
Launched on October 30, 2007, with a customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85 aircraft is the largest, fastest and most capable Learjet aircraft ever.

True to its legendary heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set to deliver the extraordinary performance, superior technology and exceptional value Learjet aircraft owners expect. The jet is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, each boasting 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust at sea level up to 86ºF (30ºC) and low noise levels, while the advanced low NOx emitting combustor offers reduced environmental impact. The aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)*.

The Learjet 85 aircraft flight deck combines advanced technology with superior design elements for a cockpit environment unlike any other midsize jet. The latest in technological advancements and superior design aesthetics from Bombardier's Vision Flight Deck are carried over in order to create the ultimate Learjet aircraft flight control environment.

The aircraft's Cabin Management System, developed by Lufthansa Technik, will feature a high-capacity Ethernet network, a digital amplifier to feed the high-fidelity speaker system and an interface to support the aircraft cabin environment, including lighting and temperature control. The system's open architecture also allows for easy integration ofthird-party equipment and new applications, such as high-definition features.

Learjet is the first name in corporate aviation. Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990,
Bombardier Aerospace has carried forward the brand's proud legacy by launching eight
high-performance and fuel-efficient Learjet aircraft.

Bombardier Inc.
Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, we posted revenues of $18.3 billion USD. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to Editors

* The Learjet 85 aircraft's long-range cruise speed of M.78 with two crew, four passengers (200 lb each) and 100 NM NBAA IFR reserves. Assumes standard BOW, sea level departure and landing, unrestricted climb, cruise and descent with zero wind and standard (ISA) conditions en route.

Statements about performance and design as stated in this document are solely based on projections and forecasts, and are subject to change without notice.

Bombardier, Learjet, Learjet 85 and Vision Flight Deck and are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

For Information
Annie Cossette
Bombardier Business Aircraft
+1 514 574 9209
Email