Bombardier launches Learjet 85 flight test program

MONTREAL, 11 April 2014. Bombardier Aerospace’s Learjet 85 business aircraft completed its first flight, marking the start of the business jet’s flight test program that will lead up to the first customer delivery.

Learjet 85 flight test vehicle one (FTV1)--flown by Captain Ed Grabman, Chief Flight Test Pilot, Bombardier Flight Test Center, assisted by Co-pilot Jim Dwyer and Flight Test Engineer Nick Weyers--departed from Wichita-Mid Continent International Airport. The maiden flight lasted approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the Learjet 85 aircraft reaching an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) and an air speed of 250 knots (463 km/h; 287 mph). All flight controls were exercised with the systems and aircraft performing as expected.

“The first flight of the Learjet 85 aircraft was a very proud and thrilling moment for all Bombardier employees,” says Bombardier Business Aircraft President Éric Martel. “Incredible hard work and dedication from our people went into this aircraft development program. This includes our sites in Wichita, Querétaro, and Montréal, as well as our facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland. We are all very excited to see this new aircraft, the fastest and most spacious Learjet aircraft, take to the skies, and we look forward to a very successful flight test program.”

Bombardier employees along with suppliers were on hand at the Bombardier Wichita facility to celebrate this milestone flight and greet the Learjet 85 aircraft and test flight crew upon landing.

“Today marks a significant accomplishment for the Learjet 85 team. The aircraft performed very well. I would like to congratulate all the employees who have played a role in achieving FTV1’s maiden flight,” adds Ralph Acs, vice president and general manager, Learjet 85 program.