The Learjet 25 is a classic light business jet that built on the success of the earlier Learjet 23 and 24, offering more space, speed, and performance. First flown in the mid-1960s, the Learjet 25 became known for its sleek looks, fast cruise speeds, and exceptional climb performance—attributes that helped define the Learjet brand as the jet of choice for executives, charter services, and even military operations.

✈️ Overview:

• Role: Light business jet
• Manufacturer: Learjet (later Gates Learjet)
• First flight: August 12, 1966
• Introduced: 1967
• Total built: ~368
• Based on: Learjet 24, with a stretched fuselage for more seating

🛠️ Key Specs (Learjet 25D – most advanced variant):

• Engines: 2 × General Electric CJ610-8A turbojets
• Max cruise speed: ~470 knots (540 mph / 870 km/h)
• Range: ~1,500 nautical miles (2,778 km)
• Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
• Takeoff distance: ~4,500 ft (1,372 m)
• Landing distance: ~2,800 ft (853 m)
• Crew: 2
• Passengers: 6–8
• Cabin dimensions: Length: 12.9 ft (3.93 m) Width: 4.9 ft (1.5 m) Height: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)
  • Length: 12.9 ft (3.93 m)
  • Width: 4.9 ft (1.5 m)
  • Height: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)

🔍 Design Features:

• Stretched cabin over the Learjet 24 allowed more seating
• No winglets on early models (added on later variants like the 28 and 31)
• High-speed turbojet engines gave it incredible performance—but also high fuel consumption and noise levels
• Simple avionics and systems by today’s standards, but state-of-the-art in the 1970s

✨ Variants:

• Learjet 25A/B/C/D – Each version offered improvements in range, avionics, and engine performance
• Learjet 25D – Final and most capable version; featured CJ610-8A engines, increased range, and higher MTOW
• Learjet 25G (prototype) – An experimental model with winglets (very few made)

✅ Strengths:

• Fast and agile—high-speed cruise with fighter-like handling
• Excellent climb rate (can reach FL410 in about 25 minutes)
• Affordable on the used market
• Loved by pilots for its performance and responsiveness
• Still used in specialized roles like medevac and aerial surveying

❌ Weaknesses:

• Loud and fuel-hungry turbojets (pre-turbofan era)
• Cabin is small and not stand-up
• Limited baggage capacity
• No full lavatory
• Can be noisy and inefficient by modern standards
• Not Stage 3/4 noise compliant without hushkits (limits use at some airports)

🪖 Military Use:

• Some Learjet 25s were used for calibration flights, training, and VIP transport
• Adapted for special missions including radar tracking and navigation aid inspection

🛩️ Fun Fact:

The Learjet 25 was fast enough to outrun early airliners, and it could operate from smaller airports, giving executives and VIPs unprecedented flexibility during its heyday in the '70s and '80s.

👑 Legacy:

The Learjet 25 was a workhorse of the early private jet era, helping to establish Learjet's reputation as the go-to name in light jet aviation. Though outdated by modern standards, it’s still loved by aviation enthusiasts for its raw performance and aggressive styling.