Bombardier Learjet 85

The composite midsize jet developed to modernize the Learjet line.

Overview

Bombardier Canada 2014–2015 $17.1 million

The Learjet 85 was conceived as a clean-sheet composite business jet for the midsize segment. Announced in the late 2000s, it aimed to combine modern materials with established Learjet performance. The program was ultimately canceled before entry into service.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Pratt and Whitney PW307B
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 6,100 lbf · 27 kN
Avionics
Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion
Wing tips
Blended tips
Seats
9
Crew
—
Cabin width
6 ft 1 in  ·  1.85 m
Cabin height
5 ft 11 in  ·  1.80 m
Cabin length
24 ft 9 in  ·  7.54 m
Exterior length
68 ft 1 in  ·  20.76 m
Tail height
19 ft 11 in  ·  6.08 m
Fuselage diameter
6 ft 3 in  ·  1.90 m
Wing span
61 ft 4 in  ·  18.70 m
Baggage volume
106 ft³  ·  3.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
33,500 lb  ·  15,200 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
2,100 lb  ·  950 kg
Fuel capacity
1,210 gal · 4,600 L · 3,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
470 kt  ·  541 mph  ·  870 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
3,000 nm  ·  3,450 mi  ·  5,560 km
Fuel burn
2.48 nm/gal  ·  1.21 km/L
Ceiling
49,000 ft  ·  14,900 m
Rate of climb
2,500 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
4,800 ft  ·  1,460 m
Landing distance
2,700 ft  ·  820 m
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Learjet 85

Operational Context

Bombardier Learjet 85 — composite midsize business jet

The Learjet 85 first flew in 2014 during its development program. It featured extensive composite construction and advanced avionics systems. Bombardier intended it to replace earlier aluminum Learjet designs.

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307 turbofan engines were selected to power the aircraft, each producing approximately 6,100 pounds of thrust (27.1 kN). Cruise speed was projected near Mach 0.82. Maximum takeoff weight was planned to exceed 33,000 pounds (14,969 kg).

Despite promising performance goals, the program was canceled in 2015 amid market pressures and cost challenges. No production aircraft entered service. The Learjet 85 remains an example of an ambitious but unrealized modernization effort.