Production of the new Learjet 85 has begun following completion of the final critical design review. Teams in Wichita, Kan., Canada, Ireland, and Mexico are involved in the manufacturing validation phase.
“We have made solid progress,” said Ralph Acs, vice president and general manager of the Learjet product line. “Our manufacturing sites are ready, production has begun, we have been successfully building parts, and we are ensuring that all quality standards are met for the Learjet 85 aircraft’s entry into service in 2013.”
Production of wing spars and planks was launched this past spring in Belfast. There are 1,700 employees working on the Learjet 85. It was launched Oct. 30, 2007. The aircraft targets a Mach 0.82 high-speed cruise and a range of 3,000 nautical miles.