It has been more than 10 years since a new Learjet platform was introduced to the general aviation market. The latest, the Learjet 85, is featured in February’s issue of Manufacturing Digital. Expected to be ready for the market in 2013, the mid-range business jet will be built primarily from carbon composites.
Ralph Acs, vice-president of Learjet 85 at Bombardier Business Aircraft believes the company’s ‘clean-sheet’ approach of replacing traditional aluminium structures with carbon fibre composites will revolutionize the industry.
The design goals of the Learjet85 have been heavily influenced by its three customer focus groups, which are made up of between 15 and 20 customers. These groups have focused on the cockpit, interior, and maintenance, offering creative input on every detail from the layout of the galley to the positioning of cup holders and light switches.
