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Learjet 85 Program Moving Along Smoothly
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Bombardier Aerospace yesterday said its Learjet 85 program is quickly progressing, having reached several product development milestones, including fabrica
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Bombardier Aerospace yesterday said its Learjet 85 program is quickly progressing, having reached several product development milestones, including fabrication of the second proof-of-concept, all-composite fuselage and the successful completion of all wind-tunnel testing. The Learjet 85’s all-composite wing development is also “progressing steadily,” with a proof-of-concept wing demonstrator under way. “We have completed over 60 significant program milestones as proofpoints to our progress,” said Learjet 85 program vice president Ralph Acs. “We are currently well into the joint definition phase, have firm agreements with all major suppliers on the program, including propulsion, air systems, avionics, electrical, hydromechanics, structures and interiors. We are also progressing as planned with the Wichita and Mexico site expansions as we prepare for production.” Bombardier’s Queretaro, Mexico site will be responsible for Learjet 85 primary structure manufacturing and pre-assembly, while the final assembly and delivery will take place at its Wichita facility. Entry into service is still expected in 2013, according to the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, though it will not reveal when the all-composite Learjet 85’s first flight is expected to occur.