Bombardier Aerospace today confirmed that its high-performance Learjet 60 XR aircraft set a new speed record on August 8, 2010, flying 4,777 nm (8,847 km) from Wichita, Kansas to São Paulo, Brazil, with one stop in Cali, Colombia, in just 11 hours, 58 minutes. The flight was officially sanctioned by the National Aeronautics Association (N.A.A.) and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (F.A.I.) on September 8, 2010.
Bombardier’s Learjet 60 XR business jet departed Wichita Airport (KICT) with a two-person crew and four passengers. The flight started at a long-range cruise speed of 428 KTAS (793 km/h), beginning at FL370 and ending at FL430. The aircraft made one 25-minute stop before departing for its final destination. The average speed was 443.06 mph (750 km/h) throughout the flight, with average tailwinds of five knots. The Learjet 60 XR aircraft landed, after flying normal descent and full arrival procedures, at both Cali (SKCL) and São Paulo (SBKP).
"The aircraft performed a superb takeoff from Wichita Airport at 02:00 local time and climbed directly to 37,000 ft (11,278 m) in 12 minutes,” stated Chris Walker, Captain, Bombardier Business Aircraft. The first leg to Cali (2,393 nm/4,432 km) was completed in five hours, 49 minutes, and the subsequent leg continued to São Paulo (2,384 nm/4,415 km), arriving five hours and 44 minutes later. “This record flight proves the Learjet 60 XR jet’s outstanding performance capabilities and that by flying the factory-published profiles, the aircraft will deliver consistent results,” added Kerry Swanson, Captain, Bombardier Business Aircraft.
This new N.A.A.-sanctioned world record for the Learjet 60 XR aircraft represents the fastest time ever recorded for a civil flight between Wichita and São Paulo and is the seventh speed record for the aircraft type.
- On September 21, 2006, a Learjet 60 aircraft flew Cape Town-Johannesburg non-stop in two hours and 59 minutes.
- On June 14, 2001, a Learjet 60 aircraft connected Wichita-Paris at a record speed of 505.97 mph (814km/h) in nine hours, 18 minutes and Gander-Paris at 535.48 mph (862km/h) in four hours and 42 minutes.
- On June 12, 1997, a Learjet 60 aircraft flew from Pittsburgh to Gander at a speed of 529.48 mph (852km/h) in two hours and 35 minutes, and from Pittsburgh to Paris at a speed of 486.21 mph (782km/h) in eight hours.
- On June 7, 1995, a Learjet 60 aircraft linked Wichita to Geneva and Gander to Geneva at record speeds of 478.82 mph (771km/h) in ten hours 21 minutes and 481.36 mph (775km/h) in five hours, 43 minutes, respectively.
“This new world speed record reiterates that our Learjet family of aircraft offers unparalleled performance,” said Fabio Rebello, Regional Vice President, Latin America, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “Learjet aircraft continue to gain popularity in Brazil and currently account for over 80 per cent of the Bombardier business jet fleet in the country. The Learjet 60 XR aircraft offers the perfect combination of cabin comfort, speed and efficiency and is an ideal jet for travel in this region.”
In service since July 2007, the Learjet 60 XR aircraft is a proven model of performance, comfort, value and versatility in the midsize jet market segment. It delivers a high cruise speed of Mach 0.81 (861 km/h), superior climb capabilities, proven fuel efficiency and low direct operating costs per nautical mile*. The jet’s higher operating altitudes – certified to 51,000 ft (15,545 m) – translate to time savings due to better winds, less traffic and less turbulence. The Learjet 60 XR aircraft can fly São Paulo-Lima non-stop with four passengers and two crew*. It is now available with the Signature Series interiors, which combine bold design elements with increased functionality to bring the large cabin concept to a midsize jet.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2010, were $19.4 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes. News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Notes to editors
- Photo: From left to right: Kerry Swanson, Learjet demonstration pilot, Jonathan Gaffney, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Aeronautic Association, and Chris Walker, Learjet demonstration pilot.
- Photos of our Learjet 60 XR aircraft are available in our multimedia library.
- Visit our NBAA microsite at: www.nbaa.aero.bombardier.com.
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Statements about performance and design as stated in this document are subject to operation conditions at time of flight.
*Under certain operating conditions.
Bombardier, Learjet, Learjet 60 and XR are either registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Information
Haley Dunne
Bombardier Business Aircraft
+1 514 573 7124
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