Bombardier Aerospace will announce plans today to improve the payload-range capabilities of its Learjet 45 business jet.
"It will result in the ability to achieve more range with higher payloads, something operators have told us is a top priority," says Peter Edwards, vice-president, Bombardier Business Aircraft.
Bombardier will increase the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) by a minimum of 363kg (800lb) to 9,662kg. With the improved capabilities, the Learjet 45 will now be able to take eight passengers on long flights such as Moscow-Madrid or Cairo-Paris. "This is further than the competition," says Edwards.
The MTOW increase will receive certification in the third quarter of 2002, at which time it will become a standard feature. For in-service aircraft, a service bulletin will be issued then.
Edwards adds that the Learjet 45, launched in 1992, flies faster, further and with more passengers than any other aircraft in its class. It has a non-stop range of 3,926km (2,120nm) and can cruise at speeds of 860 km/hr (460kt).
Standard avionics include the Honeywell Primus 1000 integrated avionics system.
Source: Flight Daily News
