Introduction to the Learjet 45 XR Jet
What is the Learjet 45 XR Jet?
The Learjet 45XR is a business jet built by the Learjet division of Bombardier Aerospace. It is the improved version of the Learjet 45, which was Learjet's first clean-sheet design since the original Learjet 23.
The Learjet 45 first flew on October 7, 1995. The FAA certified it in September 1997, and the first customer aircraft was delivered in mid-1998. Bombardier introduced the 45XR in June 2004. By late 2006, Learjet had delivered over 300 Model 45s, 40 of them 45XRs, and by November 2010 over 500 Model 45s and 45XRs had been delivered.
The Learjet 45 family sits between light and midsize jets. It offers the operating economics typical of a light jet with the performance and comfort of a midsize jet.
Key features of the Learjet 45 XR Jet
- Upgraded engines. Two Honeywell TFE731-20BR turbofans, flat-rated to 3,500 pounds of thrust each up to 104°F. The original Model 45's engines hold that rating only up to 88°F.
- Higher weights. The XR allows a gross weight 1,000 pounds greater than the original Model 45, which adds payload and fuel options.
- Short runways. The XR can fly loaded from 4,000-foot runways, which is short for a jet of its size.
- Transport-category certification. The Model 45 was certified under FAR Part 25, the stricter rules used for airliners, rather than the Part 23 rules used for many earlier business jets.
Advantages of the Learjet 45 XR Jet
The 45XR's engine upgrade fixed the Model 45's main weakness: weak performance at hot or high-elevation airports. That makes it a better choice for summer departures and mountain airports. The flat-floor cabin and enclosed lavatory also make it more comfortable than many light jets on a two- or three-hour flight.
Performance Features
Speed and Range
Bombardier's published figures for an in-service Learjet 45XR:
- Maximum cruise speed: Mach 0.81 (464 knots, 534 mph)
- Maximum altitude: 51,000 feet
- Maximum range: 2,098 nautical miles with 4 passengers and 2 crew
- Range with 8 passengers: 2,007 nautical miles with 2 crew
Both range figures assume standard conditions and IFR reserves. Weather, winds and the actual load change what the jet can fly nonstop. For a longer route, ask the operator to confirm it with your group and bags.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel burn depends on the load, the altitude, the speed and the route. The Learjet 45 family's TFE731-20 engines are a derated version of the larger TFE731-40, developed for the Learjet 45 with fuel efficiency in mind. Ask the operator for a trip estimate rather than relying on a published hourly average.
Cabin Design and Amenities
Seating Capacity and Layout
The typical interior seats eight passengers in a double-club arrangement: four club seats in the forward cabin and four in the aft cabin. The cabin has a flat floor and a non-circular cross-section for extra headroom.
Storage and Lavatory Facilities
A fully enclosed lavatory sits at the rear of the cabin. It can be used as a ninth seat. Next to it is a 15-cubic-foot internal baggage area, and there is a separate external baggage area of 50 cubic feet.
Cabin Layout and Configurations
Exterior dimensions from Bombardier's brochure:
- Length: 58.6 ft (17.56 m)
- Wingspan: 47.78 ft (14.56 m)
- Height: 14.13 ft (4.31 m)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 21,500 lb
Bombardier notes that floor plans are typical and the actual layout may vary. Ask the operator for the floor plan of the specific jet you are booking.
Chartering a Learjet 45XR with BLADE
BLADE arranges private jet charters. All US flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers, and BLADE books the aircraft for you. Tell BLADE your route, date and group size, and compare the light and midsize jets available for your trip. Prices and availability depend on the route, the date and the aircraft.
FAQs about What Is An Learjet 45 Xr Jet?
What is a Learjet 45 XR jet?
The Learjet 45XR is a business jet built by Bombardier's Learjet division. It is an upgraded Learjet 45 with stronger engines, higher weights and faster climb, introduced in June 2004.
What are the aircraft dimensions of a Learjet 45 XR jet?
It is 58.6 feet long, with a wingspan of 47.78 feet and a height of 14.13 feet.
What is the range of a Learjet 45 XR jet?
Bombardier lists a maximum range of 2,098 nautical miles with four passengers, and 2,007 nautical miles with eight. Actual range depends on load, weather and winds.
What avionics does the Learjet 45 XR have?
A Honeywell Primus 1000 four-screen EFIS cockpit, with TCAS and EGPWS.