Bombardier receives flight test permit for Learjet 85

Bombardier Learjet 85 FTV1 taxiing

Bombardier Aerospace receives an FAA flight test permit for the Learjet 85 flight test vehicle.

Bombardier’s Learjet 85 FTV1 taxiing.

Bombardier Aerospace has received a flight test permit from the FAA for the Learjet 85, after completing APU, engine runs and low speed taxi tests.

Bombardier is now clear to proceed with the first flight of the Learjet 85 test vehicle (FTV1), expected to take place in the next few weeks.

Ralph Acs, vice president and general manager, Learjet 85 said: “We have successfully completed preliminary testing on the Learjet 85 FTV1 and we are now one step closer in achieving the first flight,”

“We’re committed to offering our customers state-of-the-art aircraft and we look very much forward to showcasing the Learjet 85 jet, the biggest Learjet aircraft ever, during its maiden flight.”

The Learjet 85 is the biggest and fastest jet from Bombardier’s Learjet product line. It will come with a Collins Pro-Line Fusion avionics suite, Pratt & Whitney PW307B turbofans and roughly 3,000 nautical miles of range.

Deliveries of the $20.75 million are expected to begin in the third quarter of 2014.