Learjet 55

Last updated
Learjet 55
Learjet 55 (2323440048).jpg
Learjet 55 on final approach
Role Business jet
National originUnited States
Manufacturer Learjet
First flight19 April 1979
Introduction1981
StatusActive, not in production
Produced1979–1987
Number built147

The Learjet 55 "Longhorn" is an American business jet manufactured by Learjet.

Contents

Development and design

The Learjet 50 series was first announced at the 1977 Paris air show with larger cabins than the existing Learjets. [1] The series was to have three variants, the Learjet 54, 55 and 56 but only the Learjet 55 was built. [1] The Learjet 55 was a low-wing cantilever monoplane with NASA developed winglets, the winglets gave rise to the nickname Longhorn. The aircraft has a T-tail and is powered by two Garrett TFE731 turbofans mounted each side of the rear fuselage. [1] It has a retractable tricycle landing gear and an enclosed cabin for up to ten passengers and a cockpit for the two crew. [1] Construction of the Learjet 55 began in April 1978 after extensive testing and work on the wing design which came, initially, from the Learjet 25. The Learjet 55 first flew on 19 April 1979. The first production aircraft were produced starting 18 March 1981. 147 Learjet 55 aircraft were delivered.

By 2018, a Learjet 55 can be had for $1 million or less. [2]

Variants

Learjet 54
Proposed 11-seat variant, not built. [3]
Learjet 55
Production variant, 126 built. [3]
Learjet 55B
1986 - Improved version with a glass cockpit, improved take-off performance and increased range, 8 built. [3]
Learjet 55C
1987 - New rear underfuselage design, with Delta Fins to improve lateral Dutch roll stability, and reduce takeoff and landing speeds.
Learjet 55C/ER
Extended-range version of the Learjet 55C.
Learjet 55C/LR
Long-range version of the Learjet 55C, fitted with an extra tank, carrying an extra 259 lb (117 kg) of fuel in the tail cone.
Learjet 56
Proposed eight-seat version, not built. [3]

Operators

Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic

Specifications

Data from Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft [1]

General characteristics

Performance

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References

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Orbis 1985, p. 1935
  2. Mark Huber (December 2018). "For many models, market hitting the apex" (PDF). Aviation International News. pp. 20–21, 24.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Simpson 1991, pp. 187-188
  4. "SAP Group - Aircrafts[sic]". Archived from the original on 2014-10-22. Retrieved 2014-09-29.

Bibliography

  • The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985). Orbis Publishing.
  • Simpson, R.W. (1991). Airlife's General Aviation. England: Airlife Publishing. ISBN   1-85310-194-X.