Bombardier Aerospace announced today that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval for the new Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite in the Bombardier Learjet 60 XR business jet, now poised to set new standards in performance, comfort, value and versatility in the midsize jet market.
The FAA awarded a supplemental type certificate (STC) on September 28, 2006, and approvals by other regulatory agencies are expected to follow soon. This paves the way for Bombardier to begin Learjet 60 XR production, with the first group of aircraft on schedule to enter service in the first quarter of calendar year 2007*.
“This latest milestone is terrific news for business jet operators,” said Dana Arnold, vice-president, sales, Learjet, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “The all-new flight deck and the superior restyled cabin of the Learjet 60 XR will make this new aircraft a joy to fly for both pilots and their passengers.”
Launched in November 2005, the Learjet 60 XR aircraft retains the unbeatable combination of value and high-speed performance, while adding a state-of-the-art Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite and a redesigned cabin. These features, together with legendary Learjet 60 performance attributes – best in class time to climb, impressive cruise speed and low operating costs – raise the bar for the midsize jet category on every count.
The Pro Line 21 avionics suite features the latest flight deck design, human factors concepts and system technology, equipping pilots with immediate, intuitive access to vital flight information. The integrated avionics package, with the latest edge-to-edge technology, includes four 8-inch by 10-inch (20.3 cm by 25.4 cm) high-resolution liquid crystal display adaptive flight screens, boosting the overall display area by an impressive 75 per cent, and dramatically increasing the quality of the visuals. The integrated flight information system, which includes accessing electronic charts as standard equipment, allows pilots to view approach plates and airport diagrams.
Retaining the Learjet 60 aircraft’s stand-up cabin, the totally redesigned interior features five floorplans, larger galley, brighter and more spacious lavatory, new cabin management system with three-inch (7.6-cm) LCD control modules and ports for laptops, iPods® and other audio/video equipment. In addition, LED lighting is featured throughout the cabin.
First flight of the Learjet 60 XR jet occurred in April 2006. Bombardier deployed one aircraft for the 94-hour-flight test program at Rockwell Collins facilities in Cedar Rapids, which will return shortly to the Bombardier Learjet facility in Wichita to be outfitted with an interior.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2006, were
$14.7 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto stock exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier Learjet 60 and Learjet 60 XR are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
® Registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Note to editors
*Bombardier’s fiscal year is Feb. 1, 2006, to Jan. 31, 2007.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Bombardier Business Aircraft
Cell: 514-969-5181
Booth: 407-685-6027
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com
www.bombardier.com