Grob Aerospace to work on composite Learjet
By Alton K. Marsh
The Learjet 85, touted as the next generation for the series, will use Grob Aerospace to build the first four primary and secondary composite structures for the all-composite midsize jet. It is the first Bombardier Aerospace jet to feature an all-composite structure and, the company said, the first to be built to FAR Part 25 standards (airworthiness standards for transport category airplanes).
The first three prototypes will be built and assembled at Grob’s plant in Tussenhausen-Mattisies, Germany, and flown to the United States. The fourth will be built as parts in Germany but assembled in the Bombardier Learjet plant in Wichita, Kan. No decisions have been finalized on manufacturing arrangements beyond the fourth airframe.
It offers a standup cabin for eight passengers (eight passengers and two pilots) and a target high-cruise speed of Mach 0.82. With four passengers and two pilots, it will target a 3,000-nautical-mile range. An estimate on range with eight passengers was not disclosed.
January 24, 2008
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