Model 23 Lear Jet

First flown in October, 1963, the original Lear Jet Model 23 set the standard for all business jet to follow. So successful, that the name Lear Jet would become synonymous for practically all of the sleek business aircraft genre that would be produced from that point in time. Conceived by the legendary Bill Lear, The Lear Jet 23 combined high performance, rakish good looks and an aura of power to all that became associated with it. Based in part from the Swiss P-16 Fighter-Bomber, the Lear Jet 23 was powered by two, GE CJ610-4 Turbojet engines (rated at 2,850 pounds of thrust each) that yielded a top speed of 564 MPH, with a range of 1,875 miles. Seating 7, the Lear Jet model 23 was produced until it was replaced by the Model 24 in 1966.

Model 24 Lear Jet

As a replacement for the original Lear Jet model 23 (of which about 100 aircraft were made), the model 24 was first delivered in 1966. The fuselage consisted of an all-metal, flush riveted semi-monocoque structure. The main wing was swept-back at 13 degrees at the quarter-chord, with tip tanks that held 364 extra gallons of fuel. Adding to the Lear Jet’s well-balanced profile was a "T-tail". While there were other business jets developed prior to the Lear Jet model 23 & 24, (for example the Sabreliner and Jetstar), none of these jets created the excitement and long-standing impact on the public as the Lear Jet has.

Model 35 Learjet

Announced in 1973, the Learjet model 35 is essentially a stretched model 25, featuring an 8-seat cabin and powered by turbofan (two, Garrett TFE731-2-2B turbofan engines rated at 3,500 pounds of thrust each) rather than turbojet powered. Another similar Learjet, the model 36, featured seating for six (two less than the model 35) and permitted the aircraft to carry extra fuel for extended range (2,636 miles for the Learjet model 35, and 3,132 miles for the Learjet model 36). The Learjet model 35 possessed a maximum speed of 529 MPH with a 45,000-service ceiling. In 1976, a Learjet model 36 was piloted by Arnold Palmer to set a new around-the-world class record (22,984 miles) completed in 57 hours, 25 minutes and 42 seconds.

Model 45 Learjet

With the first flight accomplished in October, 1995 (32 years after the original Lear Jet model 23’s first flight), the model 45 ushered in a new era for improved design and performance. As a replacement for the venerable model 35, the Learjet 45 combined a larger fuselage, wing and tail than it’s predecessors, and was powered by two, AlliedSignal TFE 731-20 turbofan engines (3,500 pounds of thrust, each). Accommodating a crew of two and up to 9 passengers, the Learjet model 45 could reach a service ceiling of 45,000 feet with a maximum speed of about 500 MPH. The Learjet model 45 is the first business jet developed jointly to meet both the FAA and JAA certification requirements.