It was confirmed today 22 January that Grob Aerospace will play a significant role in the development of Learjet’s* newly named mid-size Learjet 85* business aircraft. Grob Aerospace was selected because of its wide experience in the use of composites, having applied them in its primary training aircraft for decades and in pioneering the industry’s first all-composite light business jet, the spn.
At the end of October, Bombardier Aerospace announced it was working with a group of international collaborators with a view to determine both the look and operating criteria of its new generation Learjet aircraft.
Grob Aerospace will develop the primary and secondary structures of the all-composite structure and co-operate on the systems integration. Learjet’s team of designers will work closely with a team of engineers at Grob Aerospace where the first three prototype aircraft will be built.
“Learjet is an iconic brand - the first name in corporate aviation -- and all of us at Grob Aerospace are extremely proud to be playing a key role in the development of this new all-composite Learjet aircraft,” said Niall Olver, Grob Aerospace CEO.
Grob Aerospace will be making a sizeable investment to prepare for the Learjet 85 aircraft in terms of tooling, machinery and most importantly an increased workforce. “We will be looking to meaningfully expand our engineering workforce this year,” said Olver.
In business for 37 years, Grob Aerospace is one of the world’s largest and most experienced composite aircraft manufacturers. It has delivered more than 3,500 aircraft that have flown over seven million hours on five continents.
The company is headquartered in Switzerland but maintains its own purpose built airfield in Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany that accommodates its manufacturing and assembly facilities. In summer 2007 Grob Aerospace established a wholly-owned US subsidiary to provide a complete, world-class ownership experience to North American customers. Grob Aerospace‘s central base in the United States is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with several regional sales offices throughout the USA. www.grob-aerospace.com
The clean-sheet Learjet 85 aircraft targets a high-cruise speed of Mach 0.82 and transcontinental range of up to 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)**. Designed to provide a larger, more comfortable cabin than any existing midsize aircraft, this jet will offer eight passengers a stand-up cabin built to ensure superior productivity and comfort.
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 aircraft.
* Either registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Grob and Grob Aerospace are either registered or unregistered trademarks of Grob Aerospace.
**NBAA IFR 100 NM alt. Fuel reserves, four passengers, ISA conditions, unrestricted climb, cruise and descent.
Statements about performance and design as stated in this document are solely based on projections and forecasts, and are subject to change without notice.
For further information contact:
Juliane von Heimendahl Grob Aerospace Tel: +41 44 876 56 89 juliane.von.heimendahl@execujet.eu
Alison Chambers / Celia Turner Emerald Media Tel: +44 1962 736600 alison@emeraldmedia.co.uk