Editing Learjet 60

{{Short description|Business jet aircraft}}
{{Infobox aircraft
  |name = Learjet 60 <!--please avoid stating manufacturer in this field; it's stated two lines below -->
  |image          = File:Bombardier.learjet60.oe-gtf.arp.jpg
  |caption = the Learjet 60 has twin turbofans mounted on the fuselage ahead of its [[T-tail]]
  |type = [[Business jet]]
  |manufacturer = [[Bombardier Aerospace]]
  |designer = <!--only appropriate for single designers, not project leaders-->
  |first_flight =10 October 1990
  |introduction = January 1993
  |retired = <!--date the aircraft left military or revenue service. if vague or multiples, it probably should be skipped-->
  |status = In service <!--in most cases, this field is redundant; use it sparingly -->
  |primary_user = <!--please list only one, and don't use those tiny flags as they limit horizontal space-->
  |more_users = <!--limited to three "more users" total. please separate with <br />-->
  |produced = 1991–2012
  |number_built= 430<ref>{{cite web |title=Learjet 70/75 |url=http://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=1502 |website=Forecast International |access-date=22 September 2024 |date=June 2023}}</ref>
  |unit cost = [[US$]]14.674 million<ref>{{cite web |url= http://awin.aviationweek.com/portals/awin/PDFs/BC_05_01_2013_p43-50_Jets.pdf |title= Business Airplanes |work= Business & Commercial Aviation |publisher= Aviation Week |date= May 2013}}</ref>
  |developed_from = [[Learjet 55]]
  |variants = <!-- variants OF the topic type -->
}}

The '''Learjet 60''' is a mid-size cabin, medium-range [[business jet]] aircraft manufactured by [[Bombardier Aerospace]] in [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]], [[Kansas]]. Powered by two [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW300|Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A]] engines, it has a range (with 4 passengers and 2 crew) of {{convert|2405|nmi|km}} with [[National Business Aviation Association|NBAA]] {{convert|100|nmi|km|abbr=on}} reserves, ISA.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.learjet.com/en/3_0/3_2/pdf/learjet_60_xr_factsheet.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2010-07-26 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101102102743/http://learjet.com/en/3_0/3_2/pdf/learjet_60_xr_factsheet.pdf |archivedate=2010-11-02 }}</ref>  In July 2012 [[Bombardier Aerospace]] announced a temporary "production pause" of the latest variant Learjet 60XR to begin in the fourth quarter of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/jets/bombardier-suspends-learjet-60xr-production | title=Bombardier Suspends Learjet 60XR Production | date=2 August 2012 | access-date=18 January 2013 | archive-date=7 August 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807004901/http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/jets/bombardier-suspends-learjet-60xr-production | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ainalerts/2012-07-31/bombardier-halt-learjet-60-production | title=Bombardier to Halt Learjet 60 Production | access-date=2013-01-18 | archive-date=2014-10-17 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017040138/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ainalerts/2012-07-31/bombardier-halt-learjet-60-production | url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Development==
[[File:VH-EXJ Bombardier Learjet 60 ExecuJet Australia (6485932063).jpg|thumb|Executive cabin]]

The Learjet 60 is an improved version of the [[Learjet 55]], with a longer [[fuselage]] and more powerful [[turbofan]] engines. It first flew on 10 October 1990 and received [[Federal Aviation Administration|FAA]] [[Type certificate|certification]] in January 1993.<ref>[http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=128 Airliners.net profile]</ref>

The modifications that converted the Learjet Model 55 into a Model 60 resulted from an aerodynamics improvement program and a need to increase the capacity of the Learjet product line. Several of these modifications were a first for Learjet, including an all-new inboard wing cuff added to the inboard sections of the “Longhorn” wing and an all-new wing-to-body [[Aircraft fairing|fairing]]. By increasing the wing chord and the leading edge droop, the wing cuff improved handling during approach and landing, while the wing-to-body fairing reduced the interference drag between the wing and the [[fuselage]]. Since the engines were new for this aircraft, a new engine [[Aircraft pylon|pylon]] had to be designed.

The lines of the cockpit have not changed but the fuselage was lengthened. In addition, the blend between the fuselage and the [[empennage]] was all new. While it appears as if area ruling was the intention of the blending, the blend design was really driven by attaching the original Learjet Model 35 empennage onto the larger Learjet Model 60 fuselage.

The final aerodynamic improvements to the Model 60 included the creation of the distinctive "[[ogive]]" winglet trailing edge. This lengthening of the chord near the interface of the winglet and the wing improved the interaction of the wing's pressure spike with the winglet's pressure spike. The result was a significant lowering of the drag in this area and a significant improvement of the wing's efficiency. On the prior “Longhorn” wing the interference between the winglet and the wing nearly canceled the effects of the winglet. The single ventral fin was also replaced with two ventral fins that Learjet called "Delta Fins" to improve stall characteristics and promote aerodynamic stability.

The Learjet 60 is notable for its time-to-climb performance, climbing to {{convert|41000|ft}} in 18.5 minutes at maximum weight. It also distinguished as the last legacy Learjet, using a variation of the wing that designer [[Bill Lear]] adapted from the Swiss military aircraft, the [[FFA P-16]].{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} The next-generation Learjet was to be the [[Learjet 85]] and was an all-new design by [[Bombardier Aerospace]] slated for delivery in 2013.<ref>R. Randall Padfield, [http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/learjet-85-program-still-on-track-for-2013-entry-into-service-20837/ Bombardier cancelled the project after spending over $1 Billion on it.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616210630/http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/learjet-85-program-still-on-track-for-2013-entry-into-service-20837/ |date=2011-06-16 }}</ref>

The Learjet 60, while a tremendous performer, also maintains the highest incident/accident rate in its class with most accidents occurring during landing.  The use of the original Lear 23 gear and wheels (albeit it with an added brake rotor, bringing the total to 3 per wheel assembly) left the 60 (and the 55 before it) notably under-geared and under-braked.  According to the NTSB most of these failures are caused by pilot-error as the aircraft can be unforgiving.<ref>M. Huber, [http://www.bjtonline.com/business-jet-news/learjet-60 Lear Jet 60]</ref>

Production of the Learjet 60 ended in 2007 after 318 aircraft had been built. The Learjet 60XR was a variation with upgraded Proline 21 avionics and slight improvements to the cabin, with production beginning at serial number 319.

By 2018, a Learjet 60 could be purchased for $1 million or less.<ref name=AINdec2018>{{cite magazine |url= https://www.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/full-issues/ain_1218.pdf |title= For many models, market hitting the apex |magazine= Aviation International News |author= Mark Huber |date= December 2018 |pages= 20–21, 24 |access-date= 2018-12-27 |archive-date= 2018-12-27 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181227181555/https://www.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/full-issues/ain_1218.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref>

===Learjet 60XR===
[[File:Bombardier Learjet 60XR, Global Flight JP7323746.jpg|thumb|Learjet 60XR cockpit]]

Bombardier launched a new variant in 2005 designated the '''Learjet 60XR''' and following certification deliveries started in 2007.

Grandfathered on the 1966 [[Learjet 24]] type certificate,<ref name=TCDS>{{cite web |url= http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgMakeModel.nsf/0/396c71dfcebb3fb186257df2004e83ee/$FILE/A10CE_Rev_67.pdf |title=  Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A10CE |date= February 19, 2015 |publisher= FAA}}</ref>
it was built until 2013.<!--<ref name=BCA2oct2018>-->
It features three-rotor disc brakes, good for 450–600 landings, [[Rockwell Collins]] Pro Line 21 avionics, upgraded [[Attitude and heading reference system|AHRS]] and [[Flight management system|FMS]], electronic charts, enhanced [[Multi-function display|MFD]] and optional [[XM radio]] weather.<!--<ref name=BCA2oct2018>-->
Cabin space is better utilized with five [[floor plan]]s, LED lighting, better insulation and improved cabin management system.<!--<ref name=BCA2oct2018>-->
The 60XR has the largest Learjet cabin, its cross-section is competitive but its length is {{cvt|2|to|5|ft|cm|-1}} shorter than other mid-size jets like the [[Hawker 800XP]].<!--<ref name=BCA2oct2018>-->
The small {{cvt|265|sqft}} wing evolved from the [[Learjet 23]], with the tip tanks replaced by winglets, and runway requirements are long for the {{cvt|23,500|lb}} aircraft.<ref name=BCA2oct2018/>

<!--performance-->
A typically equipped 60XR weighs {{cvt|940|lb}} more than the original Model 60, tanks-full payload is {{cvt|600|lb}} and four-passenger [[range (aeronautics)|range]] is {{cvt|2,240|nmi|km}}.<!--<ref name=BCA2oct2018>-->
It climbs to FL 410 in 18 min and cruise at {{cvt|440|kn|km/h}} [[true Airspeed|TAS]] with an average fuel burn of {{cvt|1,300|lb}}/h.<!--<ref name=BCA2oct2018>-->
Long-range cruise varies from {{cvt|387|to|420|kn|km/h}} TAS at FL 350–430 and ISA conditions, while normal cruise speed is Mach 0.76 or {{cvt|436|kn|km/h}} TAS.<!--<ref name=BCA2oct2018>-->
<!--maintenance-->
The FADEC-controlled {{cvt|4,600|lbf|kN}} [[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW300|PW305]]A turbofans have a 6,000 h [[Time between overhaul|TBO]] and reserves amount to $360 per hour per engine.<!--<ref name=BCA2oct2018>-->
<!--op history-->
In September 2018, there were 112 Model 60XRs in service, priced between $2.5 million for a 2007 model to $4.0 million for a 2013 one.<ref name=BCA2oct2018>{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/nbaa-2018/learjet-60xr-solid-reliability-strong-performance-short-cabin |title= Learjet 60XR: Solid Reliability, Strong Performance, Short Cabin |date= Oct 2, 2018 |author= Fred George |work= Business & Commercial Aviation}}</ref>

==Operators==

===Civilian===
The Learjet 60 is used by private operators, companies and fractional jet operators.

===Military and government===
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em| 
;{{ARG}}
:One Learjet 60XR used by [[Tucumán]] Government.<ref>http://www.perfil.com/contenidos/2011/01/04/noticia_0014.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053915/http://www.perfil.com/contenidos/2011/01/04/noticia_0014.html |date=2016-03-04 }} Revista Flap internacional- aviação militar na América Latina</ref>
:One Learjet 60 used by the "[[Jefatura Del Estado Mayor]]"

;{{COL}}
: [[Colombian Air Force]]: One Learjet 60 used for VIP transport by Grupo Aereo de Vuelos especiales 82.<ref>[http://www.webinfomil.com/2013/11/Fuerza-Aerea-Colombiana-Learjet-60.html] Revista Flap internacional- aviação militar na América Latina</ref>

;{{MKD}}
:One Learjet 60 delivered in April 2005 to replace the lost [[Beechcraft Super King Air|King Air 200]]. Used by the Government for VIP transport.<ref>[http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/fyrm/mac-govt-aircraft.htm#lear aircraft] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914150143/http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/fyrm/mac-govt-aircraft.htm |date=2007-09-14 }}</ref>

;{{MYS}}
:Two operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) Flight Calibration Division used for calibrated aerodrome equipment.

;{{MEX}}
:One Learjet 60 delivered for the [[Mexican Navy]].<ref>[http://www.airliners.net/photo/Mexico---Navy/Learjet-60/1648610/M/ Image of Mexican Navy ''AMT-200'']</ref>

;{{MDA}}
:One operated by [[Nobil Air]], used for civilian and governmental VIP transport.

;{{SWE}}
:Three Learjet 60 delivered to [[Swedish Defence Materiel Administration]], used as [[target tug]] for test and evaluation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Övningsverksamhet får nya flygplan |url=https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/ovningsverksamhet-far-nya-flygplan/ |publisher=Swedish Defence Materiel Administration |access-date=19 December 2024 |language=Swedish |date=19 December 2024}}</ref>

;{{USA}}
:Six Learjet 60 aircraft are operated by the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] to carry out airborne accuracy checks of navigational facilities.<ref>[http://www.ainonline.com/airshow-convention-news/aviation-international-news/single-publication-story/browse/0/article/faa-flight-check-operations-14290/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews FAA Flight Check operations] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616210613/http://www.ainonline.com/airshow-convention-news/aviation-international-news/single-publication-story/browse/0/article/faa-flight-check-operations-14290/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews |date=2011-06-16 }} AINonline</ref>
}}

==Incidents and accidents==
On September 19, 2008, a Learjet 60 [[2008 South Carolina Learjet 60 crash|crashed]] while taking off from [[Columbia Metropolitan Airport]] in [[South Carolina]]. Performers [[Travis Barker]] and [[DJ AM]] were injured, while both crew members and two other passengers were killed in the crash.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.today.com/id/26803108 |title=Crew in crash died of burns, smoke inhalation |publisher=Associated Press |accessdate=13 November 2014 |archive-date=2 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202204838/http://www.today.com/id/26803108 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 

[[NTSB]] identified "greatly underinflated tires" and "rejected takeoff after V1" as probable causes for the crash; it was exacerbated by a tire breaking a microswitch which caused reverse thrust to become a forward thrust.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2010-04-30/ntsb-underinflated-tires-caused-learjet-60-crash|title=NTSB: underinflated tires caused Learjet 60 crash}}</ref> After the post-accident investigation, the [[Federal Aviation Administration]] issued new directives for operators of the Learjet 60 and 60XR aircraft to check tire pressures every four days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAD.nsf/0/c18ed8cd4b48cc948625773c004d9060!OpenDocument&ExpandSection=-4 |title=Airworthiness Directives; Learjet Inc. Model 60 Airplanes |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |accessdate=13 November 2014}}</ref>

==Specifications==

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=''Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000''.<ref name="Brasseys 99 p512-3">Taylor 1999, pp. 512–513.</ref>
|prime units?=imp
<!--
        General characteristics
-->
|crew=2
|capacity=8 passengers
|length ft=58
|length in=8
|length note=
|span ft=43
|span in=9
|span note=
|height ft=14
|height in=8
|height note=
|wing area sqft=264.5
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=<!--'''root:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]; '''tip:''' [[NACA airfoil|NACA ]]<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |accessdate=16 April 2019}}</ref>-->
|empty weight lb=14640
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=23500
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
        Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A]]
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engines
|eng1 lbf=4600
|eng1 note=
<!--
        Performance
-->
|max speed mph=
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed mph=484
|cruise speed note=economical cruise<br>
::::{{cvt|522|mph|kn km/h}} fast cruise
::::{{cvt|536|mph|kn km/h}} max cruise
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed note=
|range miles=2773
|range note=
|combat range miles=
|combat range note=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=51000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ftmin=4500
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=<!--<br />
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|50|ft|0}}:''' {{cvt||ft|0}}-->

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
|similar aircraft=
* [[Cessna Citation III#Citation VII|Cessna Citation VII]]
* [[Gulfstream G150]]
* [[Hawker 800XP]]
|lists=
}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

== Further reading ==
* Taylor, Michael J.H. ''Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000''. London:Brassey's, 1999. {{ISBN|1-85753-245-7}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://businessaircraft.bombardier.com/en/aircraft Bombardier Learjet website]

{{Learjet}}

[[Category:Learjet aircraft|60]]
[[Category:1990s United States business aircraft]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:T-tail aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1993]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]