Aircraft Profile: Bombardier Learjet 45XR
The Learjet 45 XR is proving popular with charter operators around the world.
The upgraded derivative of the Learjet 45 has improved performance characteristics for hot and high fields thanks to the Honeywell TFE731-20BRengines, upgraded from the 731-20AR.
Like all of the Learjet models, Bombardier prides itself on its unmatched time-to-climb performance.
The aircraft will typically fly 1,900nm (3,519km) with eight passengers on board. With four passengers it has a maximum range of 2,049nm (3,795km).
A high speed cruise of Mach 0.81 (465 ktas or 861km/h) at 51,000ft (15,545m) puts it way above commercial traffic. It can climb to 43,000ft in just 25 minutes with maximum gross take off weight.
The Learjet 45 with the –AR engines are still available, but with reduced value on re-sale are not so popular and since the first delivery in July 2004 the XR is easily the most popular choice. It can carry up to nine passengers.
Heritage:
The Learjet 45 launched in September 1992 was the first all-new Learjet since the original Learjet 23 launched almost 40 years earlier. The aircraft was the first business-jet to be fully designed on computer rather than paper (CAD).
A smaller derivative of the aircraft was launched as the Learjet 40 in 2002. The Learjet 45 was the first business jet under 35,000lbs to receive type approval from Europe’s JAA.
Spotter's Guide:
The Learjet 45XR has eight windows on each side plus the T-tail and the Learjet winglets makes it easily recognisable on the ramp.
