The Learjet 45 is a super-light to midsize business jet, developed by Bombardier Aerospace, and it marked a clean-sheet design for the Learjet line. Introduced in the late 1990s, it combined Learjet’s signature performance with a more spacious cabin, modern avionics, and superb climb and cruise capabilities—offering a strong mix of efficiency, speed, and comfort.

✈️ Overview:

• Role: Light/midsize business jet
• Manufacturer: Bombardier Aerospace
• First flight: October 7, 1995
• Introduced: 1998
• Production ended: 2013 (replaced by Learjet 75)
• Total built: ~600 (including 45XR variant)

🛠️ Key Specs (Learjet 45):

• Engines: 2 × Honeywell TFE731-20AR turbofans
• Max cruise speed: Mach 0.81 (~533 mph / 858 km/h)
• Range: ~1,970 nautical miles (3,650 km)
• Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
• Takeoff distance: ~4,300 ft (1,311 m)
• Landing distance: ~2,660 ft (811 m)
• Crew: 2 (pilot + co-pilot)
• Passengers: Typically 8 (up to 9 in high-density config)
• Cabin Dimensions: Length: 19.8 ft (6.03 m) Width: 5.1 ft (1.56 m) Height: 4.9 ft (1.50 m)
  • Length: 19.8 ft (6.03 m)
  • Width: 5.1 ft (1.56 m)
  • Height: 4.9 ft (1.50 m)

🔍 Design Features:

• Clean-sheet design (not based on previous Learjet models)
• Supercritical wing design for better high-speed efficiency
• Glass cockpit with Honeywell Primus 1000 avionics suite
• Stand-up cabin (in center aisle) with club seating and lavatory
• External baggage compartment (65 cu ft) and small internal storage

✨ Notable Variant: Learjet 45XR

Introduced in 2004, the Learjet 45XR offered:

• Improved engines (TFE731-20BR) with more thrust
• Better hot and high performance
• Faster climb rates and shorter takeoff distance
• Increased MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight) and payload
• Same cabin and overall appearance

✅ Strengths:

• Excellent speed and climb—can reach 43,000 ft in under 30 minutes
• High service ceiling (51,000 ft)—above most commercial traffic
• Fuel-efficient with strong range for its class
• Modern cockpit and avionics (for its era)
• Popular among corporate, charter, and fractional operators (e.g., NetJets)

❌ Weaknesses:

• Cabin height still tight—true stand-up room only for shorter passengers
• Limited galley and refreshment space
• Ride quality not as smooth as some midsize jets in turbulence
• Earlier 45 models (before XR) had sluggish takeoff performance in hot/high airports

🪦 Legacy & Use Today:

• The Learjet 45 and 45XR were among Bombardier’s most successful Learjet designs
• Phased out in favor of the Learjet 75, which offered better avionics, more range, and updated interiors
• Still widely used in business aviation and air ambulance services
• Affordable and reliable on the pre-owned market

🛩️ Fun Fact:

The Learjet 45 was the first all-new Learjet design since the company was founded—not a derivative of the classic Bill Lear-designed jets like the 23, 35, or 55. It was designed to compete directly with aircraft like the Citation Excel and Hawker 400XP.