Bombardier Learjet 55C

Overview & History

The Learjet 55C is one of the more highly refined developments in the long line of aircraft descended from Bill Lear’s original Lear 23, which made its first flight in October 1963.

The turbojet-powered 20-series Learjets included the 28 & 29 Longhorn models with their increased-span wings and winglets. These were succeeded by the turbofan-powered 35 and 36 models.

Development of the Learjet 55 began in April of 1978 and it first flew in November 1979. 

The aircraft utilized the Longhorn wing along with the Lear 35’s TFE731 turbofan engines, a new rear underfuselage design, and a new, larger fuselage. This variant was followed in 1986 by the 55B with its digital avionics and an increase in maximum takeoff weight. Then the 55B design evolved into the 55C. In 1988, the 55C received FAA certification.

The 55C variant introduced the now-common delta fins to the Learjet line. These longitudinal tail surfaces provide improvements in handling and performance in addition to stall-avoidance capability, allowing the elimination of the complex stick pusher system of earlier models.

Auxiliary tanks give the 55C/ER and 55C/LR additional range. The Learjet 55C, built from 1989 through 1991, had a production run of just 14 aircraft before it was replaced by the P&W-powered Learjet 60 in 1992.

The Bombardier Learjet 55 and 55C were some of the last aircraft manufactured before the acquisition of Learjet by Bombardier Aerospace in 1990. Today Bombardier has retired the Learjet lineup of aircraft. 

Bombardier Learjet 55C Performance

The Learjet 55C is powered by a pair of Garrett TFE731-3A-2B (two Honeywell TFE)  turbofans rated at 3,700 lbs (3,356 kg) of thrust each.

The impressive power of these engines allows the Learjet 55C to reach a high-speed cruise of 458 knots (848 km/h) and a long-range cruise speed of 420 knots (777 km/h).

The Learjet 55C can ascend to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet (15,545 meters), well above most commercial air traffic. This ability to fly at such high altitudes enables it to offer smoother flights and avoid weather-related disruptions.

One of the most remarkable features of the Learjet 55C is its range. It can cover a distance of up to 2,040 nautical miles (3,778 kilometers), making it an excellent choice for medium to long-haul trips.

When discussing take-off and landing distances, the Learjet 55C continues to impress. The aircraft requires a take-off distance of just 5,039 feet (1,536 meters), while it can land in as short as 3,250 feet (991 meters). These figures highlight the aircraft’s suitability for airports with shorter runways, expanding its operational flexibility.

However, it’s important to note that these performance figures represent the best-case scenario. Actual range and ground performance can be influenced by several factors, including weather conditions, the weight of the load, and specific airport conditions. Therefore, these numbers should serve as a guide rather than absolute figures.

Bombardier Learjet 55C Interior and Cabin

The cabin of the Learjet 55C is optimized for seven or eight passengers but can accommodate ten in a high-density configuration.

The new fuselage introduced with the 55-series provides considerably more interior space than was available in earlier Learjet’s.

The cabin layout typically consists of a four-place club arrangement with a single seat opposite the half-width lavatory in the aft cabin. A two-place side-facing bench seat is forward of the club, and a small galley/refreshment center is located on the forward port cabin bulkhead.

External baggage compartments are located in the nose and the aft fuselage area, with an additional internal baggage area in the cabin aft of the lavatory.

The cabin dimensions allow for nearly a stand-up cabin, with a height of 5.7ft, a width of 5.9ft, and a cabin length of 13.7ft.

Cockpit

The standard equipment package for the Learjet 55C includes the five-tube Collins EFIS-85L system with right- and left-side electronic attitude director indicators and electronic horizontal situation indicators, along with a central multifunction display.

Also included as standard are the Collins AHS-85 AHRS, WXR-350 weather radar, APS-85 autopilot, multi-tube EFIS cockpit, dual Pro Line 2 VHS comm, and navigation radios.

Bombardier Learjet 55C Charter Rates

The charter price of the Learjet 55C is around $4,100 an hour.

Hourly charter rates do not include all taxes, fuel, and other fees. Charter costs will vary based on year of make/model, schedule, routing, passenger & baggage totals, and other factors.

Purchase Cost

The acquisition cost for this jet typically ranges from $6.5 million.

The price of a jet depends on the production year; it can also go above the given range if the production is new. It will cost buyers around $1.2 million per year which includes fuel, crew members, and maintenance, etc. The price of a pre-owned example can be within $1 million. There are sellers available on various sites.