2016 Learjet

Learjet 75 offers improvements to Model 45 predecessor

Bombardier's brand name for the Learjet 45-456 and successor aircraft, the Learjet 75, has been in service since November 2013 and features a suite of enhancements that make it a far more powerful corporate jet than the 45 model originally launched in the mid-90s. Offering genuine full tank, full load versatility, much better take-off and landing performances, more sporty climbing performances, enhanced gas economy, greater reach and greater dependability.

The Honeywell TFE731-40BR turbo blower, designed for 3,850 lb. start boost, generates 10% more boost than the -20BR engine powering the 45XR series. The new, angled singlets increase the span by 3 feet and decrease aerodynamic resistance in comparison to the almost vertically positionedinglets. Additional thrusts and enhanced wingtip features cut take-off and landing distances by up to 12%.

The Garmin G5000 with three 14.4 inch G5000 screens replaces the ageing Honeywell Primus 1000 system with its four small BRTs in previous Model 45s. G5000 added a number of new features while it shaved 200 lb. from the empty plane mass. Improvements have been made to the ventilation system so that heater and cooler systems in the dashboard and cab are much more efficient.

Dual cockpit seats in the master cab are the only Bombardier configurations on offer. It is one of the few lightweight planes with a shallow cab bottom. While the 50 cu.-ft. behind the outer luggage space is relatively small compared to today' standard for lightweight aircraft, operator says it is sufficient for typically commercial emissions.

Gogo Biz ATG or Inmarsat SwiftBroadband Wi-Fi system are available as an option on some planes. The Learjet's efficiency is the strength of this plane. Owners say they can run FL 470 or higher on routine work-a-day assignments. It has a characteristic cruising velocity of Mach 0.78. Pay attention to the flow of propellant at this velocity and at elevations of 1,000 lb/h or less.

The unit flow of unit fuels is 1,300 to 1,500 pounds per hour, according to duration, cruising rate and cruising level. Carriers say they can conveniently operate the 1,800 nm plane, but the cab is narrow for eight occupants in 4 hours, 30 minutes flying time. G5000's auto-pilot feature is clearly better than the Primus 1000 air traffic control system previously fitted to Model 45s.

Learjet 75 keeps all the benefits of the 45 model. It' a pleasure to be able to handle the aircraft by heart, with the smooth-running low-speed and high-speed handleability of any Learjet ever made, high-fidelity control systems that offer outstanding touch response, a powerful control surface accelerator to help extend the powerplant, and a flap/spoiler/stable port to neutralise punch forces during changes in configurations.

The tilt and taxi force is higher than the initial Learjets of the 20 and 30 range, but this will help avoid over-control. G5000 offers many new features, but the airplane system is not fully embedded. Apart from inspecting the tyre pressure and motor fluid level and inspecting the airplane, little attention should be paid to this airplane.

However, the maintenance of the airplane is not cost-effective. The sales price for the new 2016 Learjet 75 model is over 14 million dollars. They' re approaching $12 million for the shortened six-person model 70. However, you can buy a Learjet 75 in mid-2013 for $8 million to $9 million, according to Penton's Bluebook. Principal rivals of the Learjet 75 are the Textron Cessna Citation CJ4, Embraer Phenom 300 and Nextant 400XT.

Model 75 is bigger, quicker, a bit more thirsty and higher than the competition. She has a longer and more spacious cab than her rivals. However, the Nextant 400XT offers a shallow bottom, similar to the Learjet 75. While the Learjet 75 is more costly to buy than its rivals, it is also an outstanding value given its velocity, height, runway power and cruising distance.

This may be the last of the Learjets, but it is also the best corporate jet ever made by Learjet.