Learjet 85 Completes First Flight; Begins Flight Test Program

Bombardier's Learjet 85 aircraft has successfully completed its first flight with the start of the Learjet 85 aircraft's flight test program which will lead up to the first customer delivery.

The Learjet 85 flight test vehicle one (FTV1) was flown by Captain Ed Grabman, Chief Flight Test Pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center; assisted by his co-pilot, Jim Dwyer; and Flight Test Engineer Nick Weyers. The flight departed from Wichita-Mid Continent International Airport at 8:19 am CST.

During its maiden flight which lasted approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, the Learjet 85 aircraft reached an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 metres) and an air speed of 250 knots (463 km/h; 287 mph). All flight controls were exercised with the systems and aircraft performing as expected.

"The first flight of the Learjet 85 aircraft was a very proud and thrilling moment for all Bombardier employees," said Eric Martel, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "Incredible hard work and dedication from our people went into this aircraft development program. This includes our sites in Wichita, Queretaro and Montreal, as well as our facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We are all very excited to see this new aircraft, the fastest and most spacious Learjet aircraft, take to the skies, and we look forward to a very successful flight test program."

Bombardier employees along with suppliers were on hand at the Bombardier Wichita facility to celebrate this milestone flight and greet the Learjet 85 aircraft and test flight crew upon landing.

"Today marks a significant accomplishment for the Learjet 85 team. The aircraft performed very well. I would like to congratulate all the employees who have played a role in achieving FTV1's maiden flight," added Ralph Acs, Vice President and General Manager, Learjet 85 program.

Learjet 85 Aircraft

With a customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85 aircraft will be the largest, fastest and most capable Learjet aircraft ever.

The jet is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, each boasting 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust at sea level up to 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) and low noise levels, while the advanced low NOx emitting combustor offers reduced environmental impact.

The aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km).

The aircraft's Cabin Management System will feature a high-capacity Ethernet network, a digital amplifier to feed the high-fidelity speaker system and an interface to support the aircraft cabin environment, including lighting and temperature control. The system's open architecture also allows for easy integration of third-party equipment and new applications, such as high-definition features.

Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier has carried forward the brand's proud legacy by launching eight Learjet aircraft.