Learjet 60XR Brings New Capabilities To The Largest Learjet

By ANN Correspondent Dave Higdon

If nothing's broke, the saying goes, don't fix it. But if a better way comes along, well, that's a different colloquialism. Fifteen years after the introduction of Learjet's flagship, the 60, Bombardier updated its mid-size jet into a model that raises the bar yet again on performance while lowering further the costs of operations.

The company calls this evolutionary product the Learjet 60XR and it's yet another example of how the company works to continually improve its products.

The 60XR, unveiled on the opening of the 58th National Business Aviation Association Convention, builds on all the strengths of the original, which entered service in 1990. Among those original strengths is the ability to fly transcontinental trips at altitudes as high as FL510. At its cruise speed of Mach 0.81, the 60XR delivers more than 20 knots of speed above that of its closest competitor and direct operating costs more than 7 percent lower than its nearest competition. Part of the reason for its excellent DOCs is a fuel-efficiency level approximately 18 percent better than its competition.

According to the company, Bombardier upgraded the interior design, cabin accoutrements and the flight deck. Up in the front office, the 60XR sports a four-screen installation of Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics suite. With each screen measuring 8 X 10 inches, the displays provide 75 percent more viewing area than the 60's flight deck. The installation also includes dual FMS-5000 flight-management systems, solid-state weather radar, the company's Integrated Flight Information System, electronic charts and optional graphical weather and enhanced map overlays. With the optional second EFIS backbone installed, the 60XR becomes a true paperless-cockpit business jet.

Back in the main cabin Bombardier designed an all-new interior for up to nine that provides stand-up headroom, as well as redesigned seats, new light-emitting diode cabin lighting and a reclaimed window in the aft lavatory. The Learjet 60XR employs a modular floorplan to give the operator a broader array of configuration choices. Bombardier also gave the 60XR a next-generation cabin electronic system that includes ergonomically placed touch screen for control, the latest in audio and video gear and XM Satellite Radio.

"With the introduction of the Learjet 60XR aircraft, customers now have the best of both worlds - advanced avionics and ultramodern cabin features coupled with superior reliability and proven performance," said Pierre Beaudoin, president and CEO of Bombardier Aerospace. "In the past 15 years, Bombardier has introduced eight new members to the Learjet family and the Learjet 60XR is another great example of how we are continually working to deliver best-in-class value and performance to our customers."

Priced at $12.9 million with typical equipment, the 60XR enters flight tests in the first quarter of 2006, with certification and first customer deliver expected about a year later.

FMI: www.bombardier.com