Learjet 60

Development

The Learjet 60 is an improved version of the Learjet 55, with a longer fuselage and more powerful turbofan engines. It first flew on 10 October 1990 and received FAA certification in January 1993.

The modifications that converted the Learjet Model 55 into a Model 60 resulted from an aerodynamics improvement program and a need to increase the capacity of the Learjet product line. Several of these modifications were a first for Learjet, including an all-new inboard wing cuff added to the inboard sections of the “Longhorn” wing and an all-new wing-to-body fairing. By increasing the wing chord and the leading edge droop, the wing cuff improved handling during approach and landing, while the wing-to-body fairing reduced the interference drag between the wing and the fuselage. Since the engines were new for this aircraft, a new engine pylon had to be designed.

The lines of the cockpit have not changed but the fuselage was lengthened. In addition, the blend between the fuselage and the empennage was all new. While it appears as if area ruling was the intention of the blending, the blend design was really driven by attaching the original Learjet Model 35 empennage onto the larger Learjet Model 60 fuselage.

The final aerodynamic improvements to the Model 60 included the creation of the distinctive "ogive" winglet trailing edge. This lengthening of the chord near the interface of the winglet and the wing improved the interaction of the wing’s pressure spike with the winglet’s pressure spike. The result was a significant lowering of the drag in this area and a significant improvement of the wing's efficiency. On the prior “Longhorn” wing the interference between the winglet and the wing nearly canceled the effects of the winglet. The single ventral fin was also replaced with two ventral fins that Learjet called "Delta Fins" to improve stall characteristics and promote aerodynamic stability.

The Learjet 60 is notable for its time-to-climb performance, climbing to 41,000 feet (12,497 m) in 18.5 minutes at maximum weight. It also distinguished as the last legacy Learjet, using the wing that designer Bill Lear adapted from the Swiss military aircraft, the FFA P-16. The next-generation Learjet is the Learjet 85 and is an all-new design by Bombardier Aerospace slated for delivery in 2013.

The Learjet 60, while a tremendous performer, also maintains the highest incident/accident rate in its class with most accidents occurring during landing. According to the NTSB most of these failures are caused by pilot-error as the aircraft can be unforgiving.

Production of the Learjet 60 ended in 2007 after 314 aircraft had been built. The Learjet 60XR is the current model in production from Bombardier Aerospace.

Learjet 60XR

Bombardier launched a new variant in 2005 designated the Learjet 60XR and following certification deliveries started in 2007. The Learjet 60XR has an upgraded cabin, Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 advanced avionics suite and three disc steel wheel brakes.

The Learjet 60XR was featured in National Geographic Channel’s Ultimate Factories TV series in September 2012.

Civilian

The Learjet 60 is used by private operators, companies and fractional jet operators.

 Latvia

One Learjet 60 used for VIP transport by BALTIC JET AIRCOMPANY.

 Germany

A fleet of Learjet 60s and one Learjet 60XR are used by FAI Rent a Jet in Nürnberg, for Air Ambulance and VIP transport.

Military and government

 Argentina

One Learjet 60XR used by Tucumán Government.One Learjet 60 used by the "Jefatura Del Estado Mayor"

 Colombia

Colombian Air Force: One Learjet 60 used for VIP transport by Grupo Aereo de Vuelos especiales 82.

 Macedonia

One Learjet 60 delivered in April 2005 to replace the lost King Air 200. Used by the Government for VIP transport.

 Malaysia

Two operated by the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia (DCAM) Flight Calibration Division.

 Mexico

One Learjet 60 delivered for the Mexican Navy.

 Moldova

One operated by Nobil Air, used for civilian and governmental VIP transport.

 United States

Six Learjet 60 aircraft are operated by the Federal Aviation Administration to carry out airborne accuracy checks of navigational facilities.

Incidents and accidents

On September 19, 2008, a Learjet 60 crashed while taking off from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in Columbia, South Carolina. Performers Travis Barker and DJ AM were injured, while four others were killed in the crash. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, as the plane was departing the airport, air traffic controllers saw sparks emanating from the plane, which went off the runway, smashed through a fence, crossed a nearby road, slammed into an embankment and caught fire.

After the post-accident investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration issued new directives for operators of the Learjet 60 and 60XR aircraft to check tire pressures every four days. This is due to the Learjet 60 models having experienced "more than twice the number of tire failure events" than the Learjet model 30 series, and generally have greater "vulnerability to damage due to a burst tire" than other types of business jets.

On November 13, 2014, a Learjet 60 carrying Bono and other people from Dublin to Berlin lost one of the doors while flying however, the plane landed safely in Berlin.

Specifications

Data from Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000

General characteristics

Crew: 2

Capacity: 8 passengers

Length: 58 ft 8 in (17.881m)

Wingspan: 43 ft 9 in (13.34 m)

Height: 14 ft 8 in (4.471 m)

Wing area: 264.5 ft² (24.57 m²)

Empty weight: 14,640 lb (6,641 kg)

Max. takeoff weight: 23,500 lb (10,660 kg)

Powerplant: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A turbofan, 4,600 lbf (20.46 kN) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 522 mph (453 knots, 839 km/h) (max cruise)

Cruise speed: 484 mph (Fast Cruise 536 mph) (420 knots, 778 km/h, Mach 0.74) (long-range cruise)

Range: 2,773 mi (2,409 nmi, 4,461 km)

Service ceiling: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)

Rate of climb: 4,500 ft/min (22.9 m/s)