LEARJET FLEW the prototype Model 45 business jet for the first time on 7 October, and is hoping to accelerate flight-testing after a "flawless" first flight. The aircraft was flown from Wichita Mid-Continent Airport, in Kansas, on the 32nd anniversary of the first flight of the original Learjet 23 light business jet from the airport.
"This aircraft has performed so well in tests conducted before [the first flight], and is doing so well now, that we will begin to accelerate the testing as quickly as positive results allow," says Learjet president Brian Barents. The first flight lasted 2h 2min, and the aircraft was flown to 300kt (550km/h) and 26,000ft (7,900m). Certification is planned for late 1996.
Learjet has added a fifth aircraft to the certification flight-test programme in a bid to recover from delays earlier in the programme (Flight International, 13-19 September). The first flight was further delayed when the emergency-egress system unique to the first aircraft malfunctioned during ground checks and had to be replaced.
AlliedSignal Engines president Jim Robinson is to join Learjet in the newly created post of executive vice-president responsible for operations.
Source: Flight International
