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Technology update
Learjet 45 features enhanced performance
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Bombardier Aerospace has added a performance enhancement package, which will be incorporated into production aircraft and retrofitted on aircraft currently in service.
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Bombardier Aerospace has added a series of performance-enhancing features to its Learjet 45 business jet designed to improve takeoff and landing performance and increase the payload/range of the aircraft. "This performance enhancement package expands the flexibility of the Learjet 45 by allowing it to utilize more airports, takeoff with more passengers, baggage, or fuel than ever before," said John Holding, Vice President of Engineering and Product Development, Bombardier Aerospace.
The aircraft's nose-wheel steering was improved by incorporating a new Marconi Astronics digital system, which adds a weight-on-nosewheel sensor and modified software for full-time ground operation. The speed-sensitive system provides up to 60 degrees of authority.
Bombardier Aerospace engineers reconfigured the flap selector module to permit the use of 8° flap settings for approach climb, instead of the 20° configuration previously used. This provides a climb performance improvement after a balked landing.
Climb performance has also been enhanced through the incorporation of modified bleed valves, which even out the bleed air loads from each engine. This, together with an engine software update, provides wider engine ITT margins and better performance.
The brake-by-wire system was enhanced, reducing balance field lengths by as much as 12%. The aircraft also realized a 300 lb increase in maximum takeoff weight (from 20,200-20,500 lb), which translates into greater flexibility in expanding the operators' range or payload options.
The company plans to incorporate the performance-enhancing package into production aircraft and retrofit aircraft already in service.
Frank Bokulich
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