New Learjet 85 Aircraft Features All-Composite Structure Design

Bombardier Aerospace has selected Grob Aerospace to develop the all-composite structure of its new Learjet 85 aircraft, the next generation Learjet.

Grob will also build the first three prototype aircraft for the program. In addition, the jet’s official name, Learjet 85, was revealed today.

Launched on October 30, 2007 – with a provisional name – the new Learjet 85 aircraft will be the first Bombardier Aerospace jet to feature an all-composite structure and will be the first all-composite structure business jet designed for type certification under FAR Part 25.

“The Learjet 85 remains true to Learjet’s commitment to innovation – featuring the best in leading technology, design and manufacturing,” said Pierre Gabriel Côté, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s most experienced companies in the development and manufacture of composite aircraft structures. We are delighted to welcome their participation on this latest Learjet-designed aircraft.”

The Learjet 85 aircraft’s all-composite structure will allow Learjet designers to maximize cabin comfort while minimizing drag and improving performance. Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, reduced maintenance and extended service life are key characteristics of all composite airframes and the ultra smooth surfaces of the carbon fibre structures permit superior aerodynamics. Other competitive advantages of composites include reduced structural part count and significantly less vulnerability to corrosion or fatigue damage than metal.

“Composite structures allow designers to optimize all aspects of the aircraft’s internal cabin volume and exterior aerodynamic qualities, thus optimizing performance as well,” said Niall Olver, chief executive officer, Grob Aerospace. “Since delivering our pioneering glider aircraft in the 1970s, Grob has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents. We look forward to building the first Learjet 85 prototype structures and growing our working relationship with Learjet. Work at Grob Aerospace on the Learjet 85 adds an exciting manufacturing dimension to the light business jets and trainer aircraft development and production activity already going on at our facilities.”

The Learjet 85 aircraft’s prototype structures will be manufactured at Grob Aerospace’s facility in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, where Learjet design teams are currently on site as part of the joint conceptual design phase.

Publication Date: 29/01/2008

WWW Link: http://www.aero.bombardier.com.

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