Bombardier's Learjet 85 Aircraft Takes Flight

MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - April 9, 2014) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Bombardier Aerospace today announced that the Learjet 85 aircraft successfully completed its first flight, achieving a major milestone in a business aircraft development program that will redefine the midsize segment. This first flight marks the start of the Learjet 85 aircraft's flight test program leading up to the first customer delivery.

The Learjet 85 flight test vehicle one (FTV1) was flown by Captain Ed Grabman, Chief Flight Test Pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center; assisted by his co-pilot, Jim Dwyer; and Flight Test Engineer Nick Weyers. The flight departed from Wichita-Mid Continent International Airport at 8:19 am CST.

During its maiden flight which lasted approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, the Learjet 85 aircraft reached an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 metres) and an air speed of 250 knots (463 km/h; 287 mph). All flight controls were exercised with the systems and aircraft performing as expected.

"The first flight of the Learjet 85 aircraft was a very proud and thrilling moment for all Bombardier employees," said Éric Martel, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "Incredible hard work and dedication from our people went into this aircraft development program. This includes our sites in Wichita, Querétaro and Montréal, as well as our facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We are all very excited to see this new aircraft, the fastest and most spacious Learjet aircraft, take to the skies, and we look forward to a very successful flight test program."

Bombardier employees along with suppliers were on hand at the Bombardier Wichita facility to celebrate this milestone flight and greet the Learjet 85 aircraft and test flight crew upon landing.

"Today marks a significant accomplishment for the Learjet 85 team. The aircraft performed very well. I would like to congratulate all the employees who have played a role in achieving FTV1's maiden flight," added Ralph Acs, Vice President and General Manager, Learjet 85 program.

The new Learjet 85 aircraft - Redefining the midsize segment

With a customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85 aircraft will be the largest, fastest and most capable Learjet aircraft ever. True to its legendary heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set to deliver the extraordinary performance, superior technology and exceptional value Learjet aircraft owners expect. The jet is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, each boasting 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust at sea level up to 86ºF (30ºC) and low noise levels, while the advanced low NO_x emitting combustor offers reduced environmental impact. The aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)*.