The Learjet 29 is a rare and specialized variant of the Learjet family, based on the Learjet 25 series. It was designed with one main goal in mind: maximum range. To achieve this, it sacrificed nearly all baggage space and made room for additional fuel capacity, making it a sort of "long-haul racer" among early Learjets.

✈️ Overview:

• Role: Long-range light business jet
• Manufacturer: Learjet (Gates Learjet)
• First flight: Early 1970s
• Introduced: ~1971
• Total built: Only 5
• Base model: Derived from Learjet 25B

🛠️ Key Specs (approximate):

• Engines: 2 × General Electric CJ610-6 turbojets
• Max cruise speed: ~470 knots (541 mph / 870 km/h)
• Range: ~2,500+ nautical miles (4,630+ km)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
• Crew: 2
• Passengers: Typically 4–6 (reduced for range)
• 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 Unique:

• The Learjet 29 used the fuselage of the 25B but replaced the rear baggage compartment with a large internal fuel tank.
• This dramatically increased its fuel capacity, allowing for longer nonstop flights than typical Learjet 25 variants.
• Because of this internal tank, the available space for passengers and luggage was very limited, and it wasn’t considered ideal for typical business missions.

✅ Strengths:

• Incredible range for its size and era—one of the longest of any small Learjet at the time
• Fast and agile with excellent high-altitude performance
• Great for long overwater or ferry flights

❌ Weaknesses:

• Virtually no baggage space
• Small cabin with limited comfort
• Fuel-hungry turbojet engines (CJ610s are less efficient and louder than later turbofans)
• Extremely limited production and support

🛩️ Fun Fact:

The Learjet 29 was essentially a "special mission" jet, often used for ferry flights, demonstrations, or niche applications where range was prioritized over comfort or payload.

👑 Legacy:

Though only a handful were made, the Learjet 29 represents Learjet’s innovative spirit in pushing the boundaries of range and speed during the golden era of private aviation. It’s a rare collector’s aircraft today and rarely seen in active service.