Learjet 55
The Learjet 55 is a mid-size business jet introduced in the late 1970s by Learjet (then owned by Gates Learjet), combining Learjet’s signature speed and sleek design with a larger cabin than earlier models like the Learjet 25 and 35. It was part of the “Longhorn” series, named for its distinctive winglets, and helped bridge the gap between light and midsize jets.
✈️ Overview:
- Role: Mid-size business jet
- Manufacturer: Gates Learjet (later Bombardier)
- First flight: April 19, 1979
- Introduced: 1981
- Production ended: 1990
- Total built: ~147 (including all variants)
🛠️ Key Specs (Learjet 55):
- Engines: 2 × Garrett TFE731-3A-2B turbofans
- Max cruise speed: ~458 knots (528 mph / 850 km/h)
- Range: ~2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km) with 4 passengers
- Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
- Takeoff distance: ~5,300 ft (1,615 m)
- Landing distance: ~2,850 ft (869 m)
- Crew: 2 (pilot + co-pilot)
- Passengers: 7–10 (typical layout: 8)
- Cabin dimensions:
Length: 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
Width: 5.9 ft (1.8 m)
Height: 5.7 ft (1.75 m)
- Length: 13.7 ft (4.2 m)
- Width: 5.9 ft (1.8 m)
- Height: 5.7 ft (1.75 m)
🔍 Design Highlights:
- First Learjet to feature a wide-body cabin for better passenger comfort
- Winglets (hence "Longhorn" series) improved efficiency and performance
- T-tail design with rear-mounted engines
- Internal lavatory and modest galley space
- Maintained Learjet’s high-speed DNA, but with greater cabin room for executives
✨ Variants:
✅ Strengths:
- Fast and agile, true to Learjet tradition
- Higher cruise altitude than many midsize jets
- Decent range and performance for its time
- Comfortable cabin with standing headroom in center aisle
- Solid reliability with proven TFE731 engines
❌ Weaknesses:
- Cabin still tight compared to modern midsize jets
- Lacked baggage capacity of competitors like the Hawker 800
- Older avionics unless retrofitted
- Takeoff distance relatively long for a mid-size class jet
🪦 Legacy:
- The Learjet 55 helped Learjet evolve beyond small, high-speed jets into the more spacious and comfortable business jet space
- Many Learjet 55s are still flying today in private, charter, and corporate fleets, often at bargain prices compared to newer jets
- It laid the groundwork for the Learjet 60, which became even more successful
🛩️ Fun Fact:
The Learjet 55 was part of the "Longhorn" family along with the Learjet 28, 29, 31, and 54/56—named for their distinctive winglets, which made them look like a Texas Longhorn from certain angles.
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| Learjet 55 | Base version with TFE731 engines and analog cockpit |
| Learjet 55B | Introduced in 1986 with digital avionics, more fuel, better range |
| Learjet 55C | Featured improved noise insulation and quieter cabin |
| Learjet 55C/ER | Extended range version with optional auxiliary fuel tanks |
| MRO | Location | Learjet 55 Services |
|---|
A list of parts on the Learjet 55 is coming soon. Please check back again next week.