Bombardier Learjet 85 Aircraft Program Marks Major Development Milestones
Click here for more news / Clique aqui para mais notícias
Bombardier Aerospace today revealed further details on the progress of the Learjet 85 program. To date all major suppliers, over 30, have been engaged and are active in the joint definition phase. Several product development milestones, including the completion of our second proof of concept fuselage and the successful completion of all wind tunnel testing have been achieved as the program forges ahead for entry into service in 2013.
“We have completed over 60 significant program milestones as proofpoints to our progress,” said Ralph Acs, vice-president, Learjet 85. “We are currently well into the joint definiton phase, have firm agreements with all major suppliers on the program including, propulsion, air systems, avionics, electrical, hyrdo-mechanics, structures and interiors. We are also progressing as planned with the Wichita and Mexico site expansions as we prepare for production.”
Major product development milestones
As the composite technology readiness phase progresses, the Learjet 85 team have now completed two proof of concept fuselages in Montreal and all wind tunnel testing has been completed successfully. The aircraft’s outside mold has been frozen and the team is gearing up to start the detailed design phase later this year.
With the basic structure defined, the Learjet team and the supply base are progressing very well with the installation of systems. All suppliers are working with a common tool (CATIA V5) to ensure the structure and all systems are fully integrated.
The Learjet 85 wing development is also progressing steadily with a proof of concept wing demonstrator underway. The team is benefiting from best practices and principles from the CSeries aircraft program regarding composite wing build concepts.
Preparing for production
In tandem with product development, Learjet is also progressing with the ramp up and expansion of production and final assembly sites for the Learjet 85 aircraft. The complete plan includes new buildings at the Queretaro site, which will be responsible for primary structure manufacturing and pre-assembly, while the Wichita site expansion will be for final assembly and delivery of the Learjet 85 aircraft.
Over 60 Learjet 85 production employees have completed their composites technology and application training and are currently working side-by-side with the development team on producing the various concept models and coupons required for the program development.
A second all-supplier symposium was successfully held in June in Wichita. These senior level face-to-face meetings are held every six months to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged and aware of the various challenges, and to celebrate program milestones and successes.
The new Learjet 85 aircraft - redefining the midsize business jet class
Launched on October 30, 2007, the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier Aerospace jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAR
Part 25.
An extraordinary advancement in next generation flight, the Learjet 85 aircraft’s all-composite structure will allow Learjet aircraft designers to maximize cabin comfort while minimizing drag and improving performance.
Building on legendary Learjet aircraft performance
True to its legendary heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set to deliver the extraordinary performance, superior technology and exceptional value Learjet aircraft owners expect.
The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, each boasting 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust each at sea level 86°F (30°C) and low noise levels, while the advanced low NOx emission combuster offers reduced environmental impact. The clean-sheet Learjet 85 aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)*.
The new Learjet 85 aircraft flight deck combines advanced technology with superior design elements for a cockpit environment unlike any other midsize jet. The latest in technological advancements from Rockwell Collins – the new Pro Line Fusion avionics suite – is once again paired with superior design aesthetics to create the ultimate Learjet flight control environment.
Learjet is the first name in corporate aviation. Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier Aerospace has carried forward the brand’s proud legacy by launching eight high-performance and fuel-efficient aircraft.
