News
01/22/08 - Grob Aerospace to be strategic development partner on the new all-composite Learjet 85
It was confirmed today 22 January that Grob Aerospace will play a significant role in the development of Learjet’s* newly named mid-size Learjet 85* business aircraft. Grob Aerospace was selected because of its wide experience in the use of composites, having applied them in its primary training aircraft for decades and in pioneering the industry’s first all-composite light business jet, the spn.
At the end of October, Bombardier Aerospace announced it was working with a group of international collaborators with a view to determine both the look and operating criteria of its new generation Learjet aircraft.
Wichita, Jan. 22, 2008 – Corporate aviation leader Bombardier Aerospace today announced it has selected Grob Aerospace to develop the all-composite structure of its new Learjet 85 aircraft, the next generation in Learjet excellence. Left to right: Niall Olver, chief executive officer, Grob Aerospace and Mike Kanaley, vice-president and general manager, Learjet.
Grob Aerospace will develop the primary and secondary structures of the all-composite structure and co-operate on the systems integration. Learjet’s team of designers will work closely with a team of engineers at Grob Aerospace where the first three prototype aircraft will be built.
“Learjet is an iconic brand - the first name in corporate aviation -- and all of us at Grob Aerospace are extremely proud to be playing a key role in the development of this new all-composite Learjet aircraft,” said Niall Olver, Grob Aerospace CEO.
Grob Aerospace will be making a sizeable investment to prepare for the Learjet 85 aircraft in terms of tooling, machinery and most importantly an increased workforce. “We will be looking to meaningfully expand our engineering workforce this year,” said Olver.
The clean-sheet Learjet 85 aircraft targets a high-cruise speed of Mach 0.82 and transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)**. Designed to provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than any existing midsize aircraft, this jet will offer eight passengers a stand-up cabin built to ensure superior productivity and comfort.
Learjet is the first name in corporate aviation. Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier has carried forward the brand’s proud legacy by launching eight high-performance and fuel-efficient aircraft.
Visit learjet85.com
* Either registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Grob and Grob Aerospace are either registered or unregistered trademarks of Grob Aerospace.
Note to editors
**NBAA IFR 100 NM alt. Fuel reserves, four passengers, ISA conditions, unrestricted climb, cruise and descent.
Statements about performance and design as stated in this document are solely based on projections and forecasts, and are subject to change without notice.