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
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