The Learjet 36 is a light business jet developed by Learjet (then owned by Gates Learjet) in the early 1970s. It’s a long-range variant of the Learjet 35, designed for extended missions, often favored for air ambulance operations, military utility, and long-range corporate travel. It kept the sleek, high-speed design that Learjet was known for but sacrificed some cabin space for increased fuel capacity.

✈️ Overview:

• Role: Light business jet / military utility jet
• Manufacturer: Gates Learjet
• First flight: 1973
• Introduced: 1974
• Total built: ~130 (including 36A variant)
• Out of production: Mid-1980s

🛠️ Key Specs (Learjet 36A):

• Engines: 2 × Garrett TFE731-2-2B turbofans
• Max cruise speed: ~451 knots (519 mph / 835 km/h)
• Range: ~2,600 nautical miles (4,815 km)
• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
• Takeoff distance: ~5,400 ft (1,646 m)
• Landing distance: ~2,700 ft (823 m)
• Crew: 2
• Passengers: Typically 6 (max 8 in tight configuration)
• 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)

🔍 Design Highlights:

• Based on the Learjet 35, but with a longer-range fuel tank in the tail
• This fuel tank replaced the rear baggage compartment, reducing baggage space significantly
• Shared the same wing, fuselage, and cockpit as the Lear 35
• Retained fast cruise speeds and efficient climb rates
• Built-in lavatory available (tight space)

✨ Variant: Learjet 36A

• Improved engines (TFE731) over earlier models
• Increased MTOW and better hot-and-high performance
• Slightly better fuel efficiency and climb performance than the base 36

✅ Strengths:

• Exceptional range for a light jet—ideal for transcontinental flights
• Fast and efficient—can keep up with some midsize jets
• Strong military use (designated as C-21A by the USAF)
• Great for medevac, surveillance, and long-range missions
• High cruise altitude and steep climb rates

❌ Weaknesses:

• Very limited baggage space (due to extra fuel tank)
• Tight cabin—low headroom and narrow aisle
• Outdated avionics and systems unless modernized
• Limited comfort compared to newer light jets

🪖 Military Use:

• The Learjet 36A was used by various military operators including the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and foreign air forces
• Often deployed for VIP transport, medevac, training, and calibration flights

🛩️ Fun Fact:

Because of its long legs, the Learjet 36 was one of the few light jets in its day that could cross the Atlantic with minimal stops—making it popular with operators who needed speed and range over space and luxury.