Bombardier Highlights Significant Progress on its New Learjet Aircraft Programs

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA--(Marketwired - Oct. 21, 2013) - Bombardier shared new details of its progress on the Learjet 70, Learjet 75 and Learjet 85 aircraft programs during a press conference at the National Business Aviation Association Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas.

"As we mark the 50^th anniversary of Learjet this year, it's a very exciting time for us to be sharing tremendous progress on our new Learjet aircraft programs," said Ralph Acs, Vice President and General Manager, Learjet, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "We are very much focused on achieving the first Learjet 85 aircraft flight before the end of this year, and we are currently in the delivery process of the first Learjet 75 jets. These milestones are a testament to the enduring legacy and popularity of the world's very first business jet, the Learjet aircraft," he added.

Learjet 70/ Learjet 75 aircraft program

Bombardier has commenced the delivery process with its initial customers. Certification and first deliveries of the Learjet 70 aircraft will follow later this year. The new Learjet production hangar in Wichita for the Learjet 70, Learjet 75 and Learjet 85 aircraft programs is now ready and operational.

The new Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft build on legendary Learjet strengths and successes while leveraging Learjet 85 technology. The aircraft will feature a completely new modern design interior, a new cabin management system, the Bombardier Vision flight deck with a state-of-the-art avionics suite, superior aircraft performance and low operating costs.

Learjet 85 aircraft program

The Learjet 85 aircraft program is making headway towards its first flight, which is expected to take place before the end of the year. Building of the first Learjet 85 Flight Test Vehicle (FTV1) is now complete.

The Complete Aircraft Static Test (CAST) article has completed its structural safety of flight testing at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).

The program is now close to complete on system supplier requirements for safety of flight. The manufacture of the fuselage and wing for the second Flight Test Vehicle (FTV2) are complete. The fuselage has been shipped to Wichita from Mexico and the wing is being readied for shipment. Other Flight Test Vehicles are in various stages of assembly in Mexico and with our suppliers.

The new Learjet 85 aircraft - Redefining the midsize segment

With a customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85 aircraft will be the largest, fastest and most capable Learjet aircraft ever.

True to its legendary heritage, the Learjet 85 aircraft is set to deliver the extraordinary performance, superior technology and exceptional value Learjet aircraft owners expect. The jet is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307B engines, each boasting 6,100 pounds of take-off thrust at sea level up to 86ºF (30ºC) and low noise levels, while the advanced low NO_x emitting combustor offers reduced environmental impact. The aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)*.

The Learjet 85 aircraft flight deck combines advanced technology, with superior design elements for a cockpit environment unlike any other midsize jet. The latest in technological advancements and superior design aesthetics from the Bombardier Vision flight deck offer pilots the most sophisticated cockpit in its class.

The aircraft's Cabin Management System will feature a high-capacity Ethernet network, a digital amplifier to feed the high-fidelity speaker system and an interface to support the aircraft cabin environment, including lighting and temperature control. The system's open architecture also allows for easy integration of third-party equipment and new applications, such as high-definition features.

Learjet is the first name in corporate aviation. Since acquiring Learjet Inc. in 1990, Bombardier has carried forward the brand's proud legacy by launching eight high-performance and fuel-efficient Learjet aircraft.

Learjet 70 aircraft: The Learjet 70 aircraft will be able to achieve an exceptional range greater than 2,000 nautical miles at a cruise speed of Mach 0.75. It will connect Chicago-San Juan, Toluca-Minneapolis and London-Moscow non-stop with six passengers and two crew members*.

Learjet 75 aircraft: With a maximum range greater than 2,000 nautical miles at cruise speeds up to Mach 0.75, the Learjet 75 aircraft will be able to fly four passengers and two crew members non-stop from Los Angeles to Toronto, Mumbai to Bangkok and Dubai to Cairo*.

Bombardier Vision flight deck for the Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 jets

A breakthrough in business aviation, the Vision Flight Deck is designed to deliver a completely new cockpit experience. By combining the best in technological advancements with superior design aesthetics, it provides pilots flying Bombardier's Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft an unprecedented level of control and comfort.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world's only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, we posted revenues of $16.8 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

Notes to editors

Follow @Bombardier_Aero on Twitter to receive the latest news and updates from Bombardier Aerospace and visit businessaircraft.bombardier.com.

*Under certain operating conditions.

Bombardier, Bombardier Vision, Learjet 70, Learjet 75, Learjet 85 and The Evolution of Mobility are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.

Statements about performance and design, regarding the Learjet 70, Learjet 75 and Learjet 85, as stated in this document are solely based on projections and forecasts, and are subject to change without notice. This document does not constitute an offer, commitment, representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind.