Learjet 40XR

The Learjet is quite a contender in the competitive private jet market. Its cruise speed, cabin space, and technological advancements are greater than other light private jets. It has excellent range/payload flexibility and climbs quickly to elevations far above most air traffic and bad weather. Its range allows for nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco or from Singapore to Hong Kong — trips that few other light private jets could complete. Released in 2006, the Learjet 40XR is a version of the 40 and the larger 45, with improvements in hot-and-high performance, climb rates, and estimated time en route.

Background/History

To place a competitive product in the growing light jet market, Bombardier announced the Lear 40 in July 2002 at the Farnborough Air Show. The entry-level Model 40 replaced the 31A and brings with it best-in-class cabin volume and performance for a marginal price increase of $170,000 over that of the 31A. As for performance, the Model 40 is the only light jet that can fly nearly 450 KTAS coast-to-coast against strong winter headwinds with only one fuel stop. Based upon the model 45, the 40 is about two feet shorter in cabin length featuring six seats, instead of eight. In 2004 Bombardier announced the Lear 40XR with a preliminary service entry date of 2006. The new 40XR is a more powerful derivative of the already active Lear 40. Some basic improvements of the 40XR are in the areas of hot-and-high performance, faster time-to-climb speeds, as well as faster ETEs. These improvements were made possible by the incorporation of Honeywell’s TFE731-20-BR engines. To date, there have been 92 aircraft produced.

Power

The Learjet 40XR is powered by a pair of Honeywell TFE731-20-BR turbofans rated at 3,500 lbs. thrust each. The overhaul interval for these engines is 5,000 hours.

Avionics

The Learjet 40XR is equipped with the Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics system, with four DU870 large format EFIS displays, EICAS, TCAS 2000, Honeywell Primus 660 color weather radar, EGPWS with Windshear Alert, and dual Primus II nav/comms.

Design Features

The Learjet 40XR is a conventional aluminum semi-monocoque design. The familiar Learjet delta fins adorn the lower section of the swept T-tail. The slightly-swept semi-super critical wing was a clean-sheet design from the 45 and employs drag-reducing winglets. Like the wing, the fuselage was an all-new design from the 45, but two feet less in cabin length. The retractable tricycle landing gear has dual wheels on each of the main units and a single nosewheel, with a long-travel, trailing-link main gear.

Accommodations

The Learjet 40XR is ordinarily configured for six passengers in a club plus two arrangements. The Model 40XR features an external baggage compartment, with 50 cu.ft. of space, a forward coat closet in the refreshment center, and a small storage compartment opposite the lav.

Aircraft Data

RocketRoute added advanced performance data for the following profiles:

• Cruise (Max speed cruise, Long range cruise, Normal cruise, cruise High-Speed Cruise,  cruise Long Range Cruise, cruise SE Long Range Cruise)
• Climb (High-speed climb, Normal climb, climb MCT Climb)
• Descent (Normal)
• Holding (Anti-Ice On, Anti-Ice Off, holding)
• Mass & Balance