Learjet 45

The Learjet 45 (LJ45) aircraft is a super-light-sized business jet aircraft produced by Bombardier Aerospace.

New models of private jets come out every year, but it’s only ever so often that a jet is released that is truly innovative. The medium-range Learjet 45, replacing the 35, is one of the rare jets to seamlessly integrate new technology with a tested and successful older design. Its speed and economy are to be expected – being a Learjet – but its remaining features combine to create a high-quality private jet and the 45 even more so.

History

The development of the LJ45 was announced by Bombardier in September 1992, and the first flight of the prototype aircraft took place on October 7, 1995, the 32nd anniversary of the first flight of the Learjet 23. FAA certification was delayed and finally granted in September 1997, with the first customer aircraft subsequently delivered in January 1998. The cockpit is equipped with a four-screen Honeywell Primus 1000 EFIS avionics system. The aircraft is powered by two DEEC-controlled Honeywell TFE731-20 engines, a version developed specifically for this airframe. An internal APU provides ground power.

Specifications

The 45 is of classic Learjet design and layout. However, several key design changes were made early into the 45’s design life including a larger fin and rudder, extended engine pylons, smaller delta fins, full-span elevators, and single-piece flaps.

Larger than the Learjet 31 and smaller than the 60, Learjet states that the 45’s 1.50m (4.9ft) high and 1.55m (5.1ft) wide cabin will provide more head and shoulder room than any other aircraft in its class. The cabin is designed to accommodate double club seating, a galley, and a full-width aft rest room, while eight windows line each side of the cabin.

The flight deck features a four-screen (two primary flight displays and two multifunction displays) Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics suite, while an APU is standard.

The 20 FADEC-equipped version of the proven AlliedSignal TFE731 engine was developed in cooperation with Learjet for the 45 and incorporates 60 design changes to increase fuel economy and reduce operating and maintenance costs.

Aircraft Data

RocketRoute added advanced performance data for the following profiles:

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