The Learjet 28 is a fascinating, though somewhat niche, member of the Learjet family. It was essentially a testbed turned production aircraft, designed to explore the aerodynamic benefits of winglets—a now-common feature on many jets that improves efficiency. Based on the Learjet 25B, the Learjet 28 introduced winglets for the first time in the Learjet line and was sometimes called the "Longhorn" due to the distinctive upward-swept tips.

✈️ Overview:

• Role: Light business jet (experimental turned limited production)
• Manufacturer: Gates Learjet
• First flight: 1977
• Introduced: 1979
• Total built: Only 5 units
• Derived from: Learjet 25B

🛠️ Key Specifications:

• Engines: 2 × General Electric CJ610-8A turbojets
• Max cruise speed: ~470 knots (540 mph / 870 km/h)
• Range: ~1,200 nautical miles (2,222 km)
• Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
• Crew: 2
• Passengers: Up to 8 (but typically fewer due to fuel/load balance)
• Cabin dimensions: Length: ~12.9 ft (3.9 m) Width: 4.9 ft (1.5 m) Height: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)
  • Length: ~12.9 ft (3.9 m)
  • Width: 4.9 ft (1.5 m)
  • Height: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)

🔍 What Made It Special:

• The Learjet 28 was the first production jet to feature winglets—upward-angled extensions on the wing tips that reduce drag and improve performance.
• It was developed to validate the effectiveness of winglets before incorporating them into future Learjets (like the Learjet 31).
• Like the Learjet 29, the 28 sacrificed baggage space to install extra fuel, giving it slightly extended range but less passenger practicality.

✅ Strengths:

• High-speed and high-altitude performance—cruises above 50,000 ft
• Excellent climb rate
• Winglets improved fuel economy and handling
• Played a pivotal role in future Learjet design evolution

❌ Weaknesses:

• No external baggage space—internal fuel tanks replaced it
• Small cabin typical of early Learjets
• Turbojet engines (CJ610s) are noisy and inefficient by modern standards
• Extremely limited production—just 5 aircraft were made

🛩️ Fun Fact:

The Learjet 28 is considered a "transitional" design—not a commercial hit in itself, but a vital stepping stone in the evolution of the Learjet 31 and later winglet-equipped models. In that sense, it's like the prototype that quietly changed the game.

👑 Legacy:

While the Learjet 28 didn't catch on commercially due to its limited practicality, it pioneered technologies (especially winglets) that became standard on almost all modern business jets. It’s a collector’s item today and represents a bold experiment that shaped future jet design.