User Guide

The Fleet
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8
Learjet 45
The Model 45 is Learjet’s first all-new aircraft
since Bill Lear’s first Model 23. Although it looks
like a Learjet, it has only half the parts of a Model
35, reflecting a significant design progression. The
parameters set down for the 45 called for it to
have the performance of the Learjet 35, the
handling of the Learjet 31A, and greater cabin
space than the competition.
This is Learjet’s first paperless airplane, designed
entirely on a computer screen. In some cases the
computer design files are loaded directly into
production milling machines, which allows for an
exceptional degree of precision in manufacturing
(especially important when major parts that have
to fit together are made on different continents!).
This reduces not only time in construction but also
the rate of rejection of parts (inherent in any
manufacturing process).
Like so many ventures today, building Learjets is a
cooperative arrangement of various entities. The
Model 45 is a prime example. Learjet was
responsible for systems and final assembly in the
United States, the fuselage was built by Shorts in
Ireland, and the wing design and construction
was done by de Havilland in Canada (all Bombar-
dier subsidiaries).
Ease of operation was a key design goal with the
new Learjet. In addition to fewer parts, the craft
has a maintenance tracking system built in. A
technician can plug a laptop computer into a
panel and download a fault list from all of the
avionics, engines, and other systems.
The 45’s glass cockpit makes for simplified in-
flight system management. The Primus 1000
integrated avionics system and engine instru-
ment/crew advisory system (EICAS) has a page
for monitoring every major system, as well as
displaying primary flight instruments.
Power management usually creates a high
workload when flying jets, requiring new power
settings with changes in weight and ambient
conditions. The Learjet 45 takes much of power
management off the pilots’ hands by computing it
for them. For takeoff, advance the thrust levers
three clicks to the takeoff position, feet off the
brakes, and you’re out of here. During the climb,
ease the levers back a notch to the max continu-
ous thrust (MCT) position and let the digital
electronic engine computer (DEEC) worry about
the rest.
At 45,000 ft (13,716 m) and at a weight of 17,000
pounds (7,711 kg), the high-speed cruise number
is 445 knots (824 kmh) with a fuel flow of about
1,062 pounds per hour (pph)(482 kgh). Back the
power down to a long-range cruise setting and
the speed decreases to 408 knots (756 kmh),
while fuel burn slows to 987 pph (448 kgh). The
45 has a maximum IFR range of about 1,800 nm
(3,334 km). With a maximum operating altitude of
51,000 feet, the 45 easily reaches and cruises at
45,000 feet, unlike some lighter jets that are
certified to 45,000 feet but rarely are used at that
altitude.
Learjet has shown once again its ability to adapt
to the market and produce what the customer
wants. In the Model 45 the company has crafted a
machine that gets the customer there on time and
in comfort while keeping the pilots and the
corporate flight office happy.
For details on flying this aircraft, see the Aircraft
Information section of Help.